Spain Drops F-35 Deal, Focuses on Eurofighter and FCAS for Future Airpower

In a major shift in its military modernization strategy, Spain has officially ruled out purchasing the American-made F‑35 fighter jet, opting instead to support European-built aircraft platforms—namely the Eurofighter Typhoon and the next-generation Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

This strategic decision was confirmed by the Spanish Defence Ministry, as reported by El País on August 6, and comes amid a growing push within Europe for defence autonomy and deeper industrial cooperation. With this move, Spain is aligning more closely with joint European defence projects, distancing itself from reliance on U.S. defense suppliers like Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35.

€6.25 Billion Plan Reworked After Boost in Defence Spending

Initially, Spain had allocated €6.25 billion in its 2023 defence budget to modernize its air force. However, that plan was revised following a significant €10.5 billion increase in overall defence spending this year. This financial boost has allowed Spain to reconsider its options, leading to the exclusion of the F-35 and doubling down on European collaborations.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to NATO’s target of spending 2% of GDP on defence, but rejected calls to increase that number to 5%, a stance that reflects the country’s cautious yet steady approach to military investment.

Why Spain Is Turning Away from the F-35

While the F‑35 is widely regarded as the most advanced stealth multirole fighter in the world, Spain’s decision wasn’t based solely on performance. It is primarily a political and industrial move, aimed at supporting European aerospace firms and strengthening continental defence independence.

Spain had been seen as a potential buyer of the F-35A for its air force and the F-35B for its Navy to replace Harriers on the Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier. But that is now off the table.

Instead, the Eurofighter Typhoon, developed jointly by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, remains a top contender to replace Spain’s ageing fleet of EF-18 Hornets and Harriers. The Eurofighter already serves in Spain’s military, making further integration smoother and logistically more efficient.

FCAS: The Future of European Air Dominance?

Spain is also doubling down on its participation in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), an ambitious European sixth-generation fighter jet program involving France (Dassault Aviation), Germany (Airbus), and Spain (Indra Sistemas). The FCAS aims to replace current fourth- and fifth-generation fighters by the 2040s and includes a mix of manned aircraft, drones, and AI-enabled systems.

However, FCAS has recently faced delays and internal disagreements, particularly from Dassault Aviation, which has publicly expressed concern over sluggish decision-making among partners. Despite this, Spain continues to see FCAS as a strategic investment in long-term air superiority and European industrial capability.

What’s Next for Spain?

Spain’s decision to move forward with Eurofighter upgrades and continue investing in FCAS signals a long-term commitment to European defence sovereignty. It also places Spain firmly in the camp of countries like Germany, France, and Italy, which are seeking to build next-gen military capabilities independent of U.S. platforms.

While Lockheed Martin’s F‑35 remains in high demand globally—with recent sales to countries like Switzerland, Finland, and the Czech Republic—Spain is taking a different path, one that emphasizes industrial participation, strategic autonomy, and alignment with its European allies.

As the European defence landscape evolves, Spain's rejection of the F-35 marks a pivotal moment—not just in procurement choices, but in the broader push for a united European defence identity.