Leaked: Ongoing Negotiations for Transfer of Spanish Military Equipment, Including F-35 and Eurofighter Aircraft, S-80 Submarines, and F-110 Frigates, Initially Intended for the Spanish Armed Forces, to Catalonia's Future Army

To preserve the legislature, the Spanish government is engaged in negotiations with Catalan separatists for the transfer of military equipment from the Spanish Army to the future armed forces of the Republic of Catalonia, as indicated in the leaked draft of the State General Budget Law

At the close of each year, it is customary for detailed information about the draft of the General State Budget Law for the following fiscal year to be leaked, in this case, for the year 2024. These budgets are currently in a phase of intensive negotiations and are being significantly influenced by the Catalan nationalist party JUNTS X CATALUÑA, led by Carlos Puigdemont. This party, with a firm pro-independence stance, aims to hold a referendum on Catalonia's independence before the end of the legislative term. Among its priorities is the planning for the formation of an army in case of a declaration of independence, with funding envisaged through a fund designed to cover the initial needs of the eventual independent nation.

As evidenced in the draft corresponding to the section dedicated to the Ministry of Defense, it is projected that between 2024 and 2026, preparations will commence culminating in the transfer of significant and modern military equipment. The document details both the value of the material to be transferred and the associated costs for its adaptation and maintenance. It is noteworthy that even if Catalonia attains independence, the responsibility for maintenance will remain the charge of the Spanish Government's budget.

According to initial reports, it is anticipated that starting in 2024, the transfer of various equipment will take place, including: 2 F-100 frigates, 2 F-110 frigates, two S-80 submarines, 148 Leopard 2E tanks, 200 'Pizarro' vehicles, 192 8x8 wheeled 'Dragón' armored vehicles, 36 Eurofighter jets, 3 A400M transport planes, 12 NH-90 helicopters, and 6 Chinook CH-47 helicopters.

The news has sparked concern within the Spanish Navy, particularly regarding the potential transfer of two S-80 class submarines and two F-110 frigates, considered as 'the jewels of the Crown'. These vessels, currently under construction in the NAVANTIA shipyards in Cartagena and Ferrol, represent an awaited recovery for the Spanish submarine capability. Their eventual transfer could delay this recovery by several decades or even mean their definitive disappearance. Additionally, Spain would be deprived of the valuable F-110 frigates equipped with AEGIS systems, posing an operational challenge given the approaching end of the operational life of the F-80 class 'Santa Maria/Oliver H. Perry' frigates.

Finally, no F-35s for Spain, but for Catalonia instead.

Equally significant is the segment of the document that outlines the intention to procure new military equipment for the prospective Catalan army. Among other items, the acquisition of 5th-generation F-35A aircraft (48 units) and 18 F-35B vertical takeoff aircraft for the future Catalan navy is foreseen.

Additional sources from both the Air Force and Navy, who have also chosen not to be identified, express their profound frustration upon learning, in this manner, that the eagerly awaited, needed, and promised 5th-generation aircraft will ultimately be allocated to Catalonia.

Consequently, the Spanish Navy's 'Juan Carlos I' aircraft carrier would join the roster of ships for the Catalan Navy, as its use would no longer be necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the Harrier jets it currently operates before 2028. This information has not been officially documented to avoid causing excessive discontent among military personnel.

The Ministry of Defense of Spain neither confirms nor refutes these reports and has declined to comment on the matter at this time. They defer to the official publication of the General State Budget Bill with a laconic statement, "We will see about that."

Leaked visuals allegedly sourced from the Generalitat de Cataluña depict forthcoming promotional posters aimed at inspiring citizens to join the prospective Catalan armed forces.