Spain’s aircraft replacement programmes
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is preparing to purchase up to 30 new advanced jet training aircraft for the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio (EAE, Spanish Air and Space Force) to replace the current fleet of Northrop SF-5M Freedom Fighters, which have been in service for more than half a century.
The trainers are operated by Ala 23 at Badajoz/Talavera la Real. While the plan does not specify timelines or the companies involved, it does confirm the acquisition of between 28 and 30 aircraft, a number considerably higher than the current operational fleet of 19 SF-5Ms.
Although the MoD has not officially announced the aircraft type, recent statements and actions strongly suggest a preference for the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Hürjet. While the Hürjet lacks an operational track record, its selection is widely anticipated, pending formal confirmation.
One reason behind the likely acquisition of the Turkish-made light fighter and advanced trainer appears to be Türkiye’s willingness to purchase a number of Airbus A400M transport aircraft from Spain. Spain originally ordered 27 A400Ms but has taken delivery of only 14. A recent announcement confirmed Spain will soon receive an additional A400M, making Türkiye’s proposal to acquire surplus Spanish A400Ms a welcome arrangement.
A second procurement programme involves replacing the helicopters operated by 402 Escuadrón at Cuatro Vientos. The plan is to acquire six new helicopters to replace the unit’s two Eurocopter AS532UL Cougar (HT.27) and four Aérospatiale AS332M1 Super Puma (HT.21A). 402 Escuadrón’s primary mission is transporting state officials, including members of the Royal Family.
The current fleet operated by 402 Escuadrón consists of:
AS332M1: HT.21A-01/402-20, HT.21A-02/402-21, HT.21A-03/402-22, HT.21A-04/402-23
AS532UL: HT.27-01/402-24, HT.27-02/402-25
Credit photos: Hans van Herk and Andrew Jewson (Scramble Archive)