Spain Urges France to “Unblock” FCAS as Tensions Escalate

 

Spain has publicly raised the pressure on France over the stalled Future Combat Air System, marking a notable shift as the dispute surrounding Europe’s next-generation fighter moves from industry circles into the political arena.

Speaking in Nicosia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called on France to unblock the program “once and for all,” in unusually direct language. While avoiding naming Paris explicitly, Sánchez made clear that one of the three partners—France, Germany and Spain—was hindering progress. “It is one third Spain, one third Germany and one third France. One of those thirds, and it is not Spain, appears to be facing difficulties in launching this cooperation,” he said.

The remarks come at a critical moment for the FCAS program, as mediation efforts between Dassault Aviation and Airbus have so far failed to resolve a dispute over industrial leadership. Dassault is pushing to act as prime contractor for the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), while Airbus, representing German and Spanish interests, advocates for a more balanced workshare model.

Sánchez’s intervention highlights growing frustration in Madrid, where the program is seen not only as a major industrial project—valued at around €100 billion—but also as a cornerstone of Europe’s future defense autonomy. Spain’s participation, led by Indra, represents roughly a third of the overall effort, making delays increasingly difficult to justify politically.

Beyond the immediate industrial disagreement, the Spanish Prime Minister framed the issue in broader strategic terms. He reiterated his support for deeper European defense integration, including the long-term goal of a European army, stressing that such ambitions require strong, cooperative industrial programs like FCAS.

The timing of these comments is significant. With mediation efforts nearing their deadline and doubts growing in Germany about the viability of a single joint fighter, the program now faces a decisive phase. Options under discussion reportedly include scaling back ambitions or even separating the fighter component from the broader system-of-systems approach.

By openly calling out the deadlock, Spain has signaled that patience is wearing thin. The FCAS dispute is no longer confined to corporate negotiations—it has become a test of political will among Europe’s leading powers.

FCAS Given 10 Days as Fighter Dispute Deepens

Europe’s flagship air combat program, the Future Combat Air System, is entering a critical phase as France and Germany give mediators just ten more days to resolve a deep industrial dispute at the heart of the project.

According to opex360.com and confirmed by Reuters, recent mediation efforts between Dassault Aviation and Airbus have failed to produce an agreement. The two sides remain divided over governance and leadership of the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), the manned aircraft at the center of the FCAS system.

Dassault insists on acting as prime contractor, arguing that a single leader is essential for such a complex program. Airbus, backed by German industry and political support, rejects this model and advocates for a more balanced partnership, similar to past multinational programs.

The disagreement has reached a point where alternative scenarios are openly discussed. Airbus leadership has suggested that, if no agreement is possible, the fighter component could be separated from the broader program. This would potentially lead to the development of multiple European combat aircraft rather than a single joint platform—effectively reshaping the original FCAS vision.

Despite the tensions, both sides appear willing to preserve what is increasingly seen as the core of the program: the “combat cloud.” This network-centric architecture aims to connect manned and unmanned platforms, sensors, and weapons into a single operational ecosystem.

Political leaders still have room to intervene. Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz are expected to play a decisive role in the coming days, as mediators prepare to deliver their final conclusions by April 28.

With time running out, FCAS now faces a stark choice: evolve into a looser, system-of-systems approach centered on connectivity, or risk fragmentation into competing national programs. Either outcome would mark a turning point for European defense cooperation.

FCAS Mediation Fails as Joint Fighter Concept Comes Into Question

 

The long-running industrial dispute at the heart of Europe’s flagship air combat program has reached a critical point. According to Reuters, mediation efforts between French and German stakeholders in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) have failed to produce a resolution—raising fresh doubts about the future of the project’s central pillar: a jointly developed manned fighter aircraft.

Citing sources familiar with the talks, German newspaper Handelsblatt reports that the mediators—appointed to bridge differences between industry players—will submit separate conclusions, rather than a unified agreement. More significantly, one source indicated that the German mediator may conclude that the joint fighter concept itself is no longer viable in its current form.

If confirmed, this would mark a profound shift in one of Europe’s most ambitious defense programs. FCAS has long been built around the idea of a next-generation manned combat aircraft, supported by unmanned systems and a networked combat cloud. Questioning the feasibility of the fighter component would effectively redefine the entire program.

At the core of the dispute lies a struggle over industrial leadership and intellectual property. France’s Dassault Aviation and Airbus—representing German and Spanish interests—have been unable to agree on the division of responsibilities, particularly regarding the development of the fighter jet itself. This deadlock has stalled progress for months and prompted political intervention.

Despite the setback, the program may not collapse entirely. Sources suggest that cooperation could continue in other areas, including unmanned systems, software development, and data-sharing architectures. Such a shift would preserve parts of FCAS while abandoning—or significantly delaying—the most complex and symbolic element of the project.

Political leaders may still attempt to salvage the situation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to be briefed on the outcome of the mediation, and an upcoming meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron could provide an opportunity to reset negotiations at the highest level. However, the gap between industrial positions appears increasingly difficult to bridge.

The implications go beyond the program itself. FCAS has often been framed as a cornerstone of European strategic autonomy in defense—a symbol of the continent’s ability to develop advanced military capabilities independently. Its fragmentation, or potential scaling back, would raise broader questions about Europe’s capacity to deliver complex cooperative projects in a rapidly evolving security environment.

For now, the failure of mediation does not mark the end of FCAS. But it does signal that its original vision—centered on a jointly developed next-generation fighter—may no longer be achievable without significant political intervention and compromise.

Germany moves to relaunch FCAS amid growing tensions

 

According to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany is making a renewed effort to relaunch the FCAS programme at a time when internal tensions and industrial disputes have pushed it to the brink.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that he is willing to do “everything” necessary to ensure the success of the project, marking a clear political shift after months of stagnation and uncertainty.

At the core of this renewed push is the appointment of mediators tasked with breaking the deadlock between the main industrial actors. A German and a French representative are expected to present concrete proposals before the end of April, suggesting that the situation has reached a critical phase where political intervention is now unavoidable.

On the French side, former head of the DGA, Laurent Collet-Billon, has been appointed as mediator. His profile is particularly relevant: an experienced negotiator with a track record in complex defence-industrial agreements, including the creation of KNDS. His involvement signals that Paris is taking the mediation process seriously.

The underlying issue remains the long-standing dispute between Dassault Aviation and Airbus over workshare and leadership of the Next Generation Fighter, the core element of FCAS. This disagreement has effectively stalled progress for months and raised doubts about the programme’s viability.

Merz himself admitted that earlier this year he was close to abandoning the project altogether, highlighting how fragile the situation had become. His decision to push forward appears driven less by industrial logic and more by strategic considerations, particularly the need for Europe to retain autonomy in key defence technologies.

From a broader perspective, FCAS was originally conceived to reduce dependence on the United States in critical areas such as upgrades, software control, and next-generation combat systems. However, shifting political priorities in Germany following the end of Donald Trump’s presidency contributed to a loss of momentum, leaving the programme in a prolonged state of uncertainty.

Now, with mediation underway and a clear deadline in place, the coming weeks could prove decisive. The success or failure of this process will likely determine whether FCAS can be stabilised—or whether Europe’s most ambitious defence aviation programme risks fragmentation.

In that sense, the current effort is less about advancing the programme and more about preventing its collapse.

India’s Growing European Air Power Ties: Rafale, C-295 and the FCAS Question

 

Recent chatter suggests India is “joining” the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). 

Rumors about Indian involvement in FCAS intensified after India’s approval to purchase additional Rafale fighters. Analysts suggest that the timing of the Rafale deal has fueled speculation that New Delhi might be looking for broader collaboration with European aerospace programs, potentially including 6th-generation projects.

India’s purchase of Airbus C‑295 transport aircraft from Spain adds another layer to this growing European connection. The deal demonstrates that India is not only procuring advanced combat aircraft like the Rafale, but also integrating European platforms into its operational fleet, potentially easing future cooperation in joint programs.

India currently holds observer status in the Eurodrone programme, Europe’s MALE RPAS project, giving it insight into collaborative aerospace projects without committing to a fighter programme. This formal link has sparked speculation about whether New Delhi could eventually participate in FCAS, the 6th‑generation European fighter system involving France, Germany, and Spain.

Analysts argue that India’s AMCA project, still years from maturity, might benefit from collaboration on advanced technologies, cost-sharing, or operational concepts. At the same time, Europe is exploring partnerships beyond the core nations due to internal program tensions.

These moves signal a broader strategic approach: India is building closer operational and industrial links with European partners, gaining access to advanced technology and joint-development experience, while keeping its options open for the next generation of combat aircraft.

España recibirá sus tres primeros Eurofighter Halcón en verano mientras el FCAS sigue rodeado de incertidumbre

Las primeras entregas del Eurofighter Halcón al Ejército del Aire y del Espacio se sitúan ya en el horizonte del verano de 2026, con las tres primeras unidades destinadas al Ala 14 en Los Llanos. Aunque el calendario inicial apuntaba a fechas más tempranas, el ajuste refleja los procesos habituales de integración final y validación antes del primer vuelo de una nueva variante.

Más allá del cronograma, el verdadero significado del programa Halcón es estratégico. España está reforzando su columna vertebral de defensa aérea con una plataforma madura, probada y con recorrido evolutivo realista hasta bien entrada la década de 2040. Con 45 nuevas aeronaves en camino, el Eurofighter se consolida como el pilar operativo que permitirá gestionar la retirada progresiva de los F-18 más veteranos sin generar vacíos críticos de capacidad.

Y aquí entra el gran factor de fondo: el FCAS. Mientras el programa franco-alemán-español sigue enfrentando tensiones industriales, dudas sobre liderazgo tecnológico y un calendario cada vez más incierto, el Halcón actúa como seguro estratégico. No es solo una compra de transición; es una red de seguridad frente a posibles retrasos estructurales del sistema de sexta generación europeo.

Este escenario ha reactivado silenciosamente el debate sobre alternativas futuras. Aunque oficialmente España mantiene su compromiso con el FCAS, el entorno estratégico europeo ha cambiado. Opciones como evoluciones profundas del Typhoon (Long Term Evolution), soluciones externas como el Gripen E, proyectos emergentes como el turco KAAN o incluso ampliaciones adicionales de flotas de quinta generación ya presentes en Europa comienzan a aparecer en conversaciones industriales y estratégicas.

Además, el Halcón tiene una dimensión industrial clave. Mantiene carga de trabajo, refuerza la base tecnológica nacional y da margen temporal para que España tome decisiones sin precipitación sobre su futuro caza de nueva generación. En otras palabras: permite ganar tiempo en un contexto en el que el paradigma de combate aéreo europeo aún no está definido.

El mensaje implícito es claro. España está apostando por una estrategia dual: consolidar una capacidad sólida y creíble en el presente mientras mantiene abiertas múltiples puertas para el futuro. El Eurofighter Halcón no es simplemente una actualización; es la herramienta que permite a Madrid navegar la incertidumbre del FCAS sin comprometer su soberanía operativa ni su posición dentro del ecosistema industrial europeo.

El bloqueo del FCAS abre la puerta a Saab y al KAAN turco en la carrera por el futuro caza español

El Futuro Sistema Aéreo de Combate (FCAS), el ambicioso programa europeo destinado a dotar a Francia, Alemania y España de un caza de sexta generación y un ecosistema de combate integrado, se encuentra en un punto crítico. A comienzos de 2026, tras más de una década de desarrollo y miles de millones de inversión, el proyecto está prácticamente paralizado debido a tensiones entre Francia y Alemania, que no logran ponerse de acuerdo sobre liderazgo industrial, reparto de competencias y prioridades tecnológicas. La decisión sobre la continuidad del programa se ha aplazado indefinidamente, dejando a España en una posición especialmente delicada: depende del FCAS para reemplazar al Eurofighter y al F-18, pero carece de un “plan B” industrial propio para asegurar la continuidad de su fuerza aérea.

Frente a este bloqueo, España comienza a explorar alternativas internacionales que le permitan garantizar su operatividad y el desarrollo industrial asociado al caza de nueva generación. Dos opciones principales emergen en el horizonte: Turquía, con sus programas HÜRJET y KAAN, y Suecia, a través de Saab, que mantiene abierta la puerta a colaboraciones en un caza de sexta generación o en plataformas complementarias. Ambas alternativas buscan ofrecer a Madrid un camino más estable frente a la incertidumbre del FCAS.

Turquía, el KAAN y el Hürjet como punto de partida 

El HÜRJET, cuya versión para el Ejército del Aire recibe el nombre de SAETA II, el entrenador avanzado turco, ha ganado relevancia internacional tras la firma de un contrato con España para reemplazar sus F-5 a partir de 2028. Más allá de ser un simple entrenador, el HÜRJET está diseñado para preparar pilotos para cazas de quinta generación, integrando fusión de sensores, capacidad de guerra en red y conceptos de colaboración hombre-máquina. Su diseño supersonico, arquitectura abierta y coste operativo relativamente bajo lo hacen atractivo para España, especialmente en el contexto de modernización rápida y con restricciones presupuestarias.

El caza KAAN, en desarrollo por Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), complementa la oferta turca como avión de combate de quinta generación. Aunque aún no en servicio, su propuesta incluye capacidades avanzadas de combate aéreo, sigilo limitado y compatibilidad con sistemas de entrenamiento como el HÜRJET, lo que permitiría a España mantener una cadena de formación y operativa coherente en caso de optar por esta vía.

Suecia y Saab

Por su parte, Saab ha expresado su disposición a colaborar con España en programas de caza de próxima generación, incluso ofreciendo opciones más flexibles que podrían adaptarse a las necesidades españolas. La empresa escandinava apuesta por la cooperación industrial abierta, con acceso a tecnologías críticas y participación real en el desarrollo de plataformas tripuladas y no tripuladas. Para España, Saab representa una alternativa confiable y modular, que no dependería de la resolución de conflictos internos entre socios del FCAS y permitiría mantener una industria nacional activa y competitiva.

La posición estratégica de España

España, consciente de que carece del músculo industrial de Francia o Alemania, ha adoptado una posición prudente pero estratégica: no busca liderar ni confrontar, sino asegurar certidumbre, retorno industrial y continuidad operativa. Para Madrid, la prioridad no es tener el FCAS perfecto, sino garantizar que exista un programa que funcione y en el que pueda participar realmente, evitando quedar atrapada en el conflicto franco-alemán o depender completamente de sistemas estadounidenses.

Entre sus prioridades destacan:

• Certidumbre de calendario y continuidad: el Ejército del Aire necesita saber qué avión tendrá, cuándo y a qué coste. Los retrasos acumulados y la parálisis del FCAS representan un riesgo estratégico.
• Retorno industrial tangible: España exige que Indra, Airbus España e ITP Aero tengan un papel significativo en sistemas, estructuras y mantenimiento, con acceso a tecnologías críticas y carga de trabajo estable.
• Flexibilidad para alternativas: Madrid estudia cómo integrarse en programas como el HÜRJET/KAAN o en desarrollos suecos sin comprometer su posición en Europa.

Comparativa general de alternativas:

FCAS (Francia-Alemania-España)

• Contras: Desarrollo paralizado , bloqueo político, retrasos, e incertidumbre industrial

• Ventajas: Caza de sexta generación, integración total de combate

KAAN (Turquía)

• Contras: Dependencia de Turquía, interoperabilidad con OTAN parcial
• Ventajas: HÜRJET certificado, KAAN en desarrollo. Cadena de formación completa, bajo coste operativo, rápida disponibilidad

Programas Saab (Suecia)

• Contras: plazos y alcance dependientes de acuerdos bilaterales, sin integración total
• Ventajas: Estudios avanzados, flexibles, cooperación industrial abierta, acceso a tecnologías críticas.

España se encuentra, por tanto, en un momento decisivo: mantener vivo el FCAS con Francia y Alemania, asumiendo sus retrasos y riesgos, o explorar alternativas consolidadas con Turquía y Suecia que aseguren continuidad operativa, industrial y tecnológica. La flexibilidad, la certidumbre de calendario y la participación industrial real serán determinantes para decidir el futuro del combate aéreo español en la próxima década.

Mientras tanto, la industria española observa con atención. La participación activa en cualquier programa de caza del futuro será clave para mantener competencias estratégicas y empleo especializado, y para evitar que España quede relegada a un rol de mero cliente externo en tecnologías críticas de defensa europea.

Saab, FCAS, and the Question Spain May Soon Have to Answer

While there is no confirmed or official Saab proposal to Spain to replace FCAS, recent statements from Saab’s leadership suggest the Swedish aerospace company is actively positioning itself as a potential alternative partner should the Franco-German-Spanish programme continue to stall.

The backdrop is well known: FCAS remains plagued by industrial disputes, governance disagreements, and questions over leadership between Dassault and Airbus, creating uncertainty over timelines and technological ownership. For Spain, which has invested politically and industrially in FCAS under its national Proyecto Astra, any prolonged instability directly affects long-term air combat planning.

In this context, Saab’s public openness to joint development of a next-generation fighter with European partners is significant. Saab is not offering an “off-the-shelf” solution, nor pitching the Gripen as a replacement for FCAS. Instead, the message is more subtle — if Europe needs another path, Saab is ready to talk.

Why Saab Could Be Attractive to Spain

Saab brings several elements that resonate with Spanish strategic thinking:

Proven fighter design experience, from Gripen E/F development to systems integration

Flexible industrial cooperation models, often more politically balanced than large Franco-German frameworks

Full-spectrum combat aircraft know-how, including sensors, electronic warfare, data fusion, and networked operations

A reputation for cost control and pragmatic engineering, something increasingly relevant as defence budgets stretch

For Spain, Saab would not represent a rejection of European defence autonomy — on the contrary, it would still mean a European-designed, European-built fighter, but potentially with fewer political bottlenecks than FCAS currently faces.

Saab has not formally offered Spain a new fighter programme and Spain has not withdrawn from FCAS and no alternative programme has been approved or even formally discussed at government level.

However, defence programmes of this scale are shaped long before official announcements. Industrial signalling matters, and Saab’s positioning suggests that European air combat power may not remain limited to FCAS and the UK-led GCAP alone.

If FCAS continues to suffer delays or internal fractures, Spain may eventually face a strategic choice:

Double down on a troubled programme, or explore complementary — or alternative — European partnerships.

Saab’s message is clear: if that moment comes, Sweden does not intend to be absent from the conversation.

For now, this remains a strategic undercurrent rather than a policy shift — but in European fighter development, undercurrents often precede major realignments.

🇪🇸 Spain Plans Its First Conventional Aircraft Carrier in Historic Naval Leap

Spain commissions a feasibility study for its first conventional aircraft carrier, shifting from STOVL-only platforms and signaling a major evolution in naval air power.

Spain Prepares for Its First Conventional Aircraft Carrier.

In a historic shift for its naval strategy, Spain is preparing to build its first conventional aircraft carrier, a development that would significantly upgrade its maritime airpower capabilities. The Spanish Navy (Armada Española) has formally commissioned state-owned shipbuilder Navantia to conduct a feasibility study for what could become the largest warship in Spain’s history—surpassing the current LHD Juan Carlos I.

This initiative marks a clear evolution from the Navy’s original plan to operate up to three STOVL-capable amphibious assault ships to now embracing a mixed fleet that includes one conventional fixed-wing aircraft carrier. The envisioned carrier could resemble the French Charles de Gaulle, weighing around 40,000 tons and measuring over 260 meters in length.

Currently, the Juan Carlos I supports STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) aircraft such as the AV-8B Harrier II, now reaching the end of their service life. The only modern replacement available for such aircraft is the F-35B by Lockheed Martin, which limits operational flexibility and market competition.

A conventional aircraft carrier, using catapults and arrestor wires, would expand Spain’s fighter options to include the F-35C, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and Rafale M, among others. These aircraft offer longer range, heavier payloads, and more advanced sensors compared to STOVL types.

The move also aligns Spain with NATO partners like France and the U.S., both operating advanced carrier-borne aircraft. Furthermore, it opens the door to future integration of sixth-generation jets from the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, being jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain.

Navantia's study will explore key systems including:

- Catapult-assisted take-off and arrested recovery (CATOBAR) systems

- Aircraft support for 25–30 fixed-wing manned fighter jets

- Integration of Class 3 UAVs with capabilities for early warning

Pending government approval, the first steel cut could take place by 2035, with the ship entering service around 2040. When complete, the new carrier will be larger and more capable than the Juan Carlos I (26,000 tons, 231 meters), marking a leap forward in Spanish naval aviation.

Spain’s future carrier air wing may include a mix of:

- Carrier-capable fighter jets (F-35C, Rafale M, or F/A-18F)

- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and ASW

- Future FCAS naval variants (anticipated post-2040)

This development ensures that Spain will always have two naval aviation platforms operational, even when one is undergoing extended maintenance addressing a crucial limitation faced by navies operating a single carrier-type vessel.

It also reflects a broader trend across Europe: modernization of naval forces and an increased focus on blue-water capabilities. With rising geopolitical tensions and renewed interest in power projection, Spain is positioning itself as a stronger and more autonomous player within both NATO and the EU.

The construction of a conventional aircraft carrier not only reflects Spain’s technological ambition and industrial capacity, but it also enhances the country's strategic relevance in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. This evolution is emblematic of a new chapter for the Spanish Navy and for European naval power as a whole.

Japan Shows Interest in Eurodrone, Secures Observer Status

 On November 30, Japan officially became an Observer in the European Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (MALE RPAS) Programme, also known as Eurodrone, overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR). This move signifies Japan's growing interest in collaborating with European countries on crucial defense projects.

The Letter of Approval, signed by Vice-Admiral Stawitzki, Chairman of the OCCAR Board of Supervisors (BoS), was handed to Japan's Ambassador to Germany, Hidenao Yanagi, by Joachim Sucker, the OCCAR-EA Director. This milestone reflects Japan's willingness to engage with OCCAR and explore collaborative opportunities, emphasizing the significance of Japan-Europe cooperation in defense technologies and strategies.

The Eurodrone project, initiated in 2016, has achieved noteworthy milestones, including the successful conclusion of a Definition Study that established common requirements among Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Subsequently, a System Requirement Review (SRR) and a System Preliminary Design Review (SPDR) were completed. Airbus Defence and Space GmbH leads the project as the Prime Contractor, with Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U, Leonardo, and Dassault as Major Sub-Contractors. The formalization of the contract took place on February 24, 2022, covering development, production, and initial in-service support for 20 systems.

Financial support for the MALE RPAS program was secured from the European Commission under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) in 2021. OCCAR finalized a Grant Agreement with industrial partners after the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and the Critical Design Review (CDR). Manufacturing of the first prototype is slated to start in 2024, with serial item deliveries targeted by the decade's end.

The European MALE RPAS is anticipated to play a crucial role in future operations, offering cutting-edge capabilities to European nations and forming a significant component of any Future Combat Air System (FCAS) to bolster collaborative combat capabilities.

Spain Abandons Plan to Acquire F-35 for Ejercito del Aire and Armada and Shifts Focus to Eurofighter Modernization and FCAS Development

In a surprising twist of events, Spain has reversed its initial inclination, announced in November 2021, to acquire the F-35 Lightning II. Initially considered as the replacement for some of the existing Boeing EF-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, the F-35 is now encountering challenges in the face of Spain's exploration of the upgraded Long Term Evolution [LTE] variant of the Eurofighter.

In November 2021, the Pentagon, conveyed by Vice Admiral Mathias W. “Mat” Winter, the Director of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program at that time, informed lawmakers that among the countries considered as potential Foreign Military Sales customers for the F-35 were Singapore, Greece, Romania, Spain, and Poland. Consequently, the United States had set its sights on securing a contract with Spain, having successfully navigated negotiations with all listed nations except Greece, which is actively contemplating the acquisition.

During the IQPC International Fighter Conference [IFC] 2023 held in Madrid from November 6 to 8, the Spanish Defense Ministry communicated to the press that their primary focus remains on procuring the Eurofighter. They explicitly stated that there are no indications of interest in pursuing any other type of weapons system. The Ministry of Defence remarked, "We have no information about Spain’s interest in acquiring another weapons system other than the Eurofighter," as reported by Janes.

This announcement signals that Spain has rejected any potential F-35 purchase, at least for now. Lockheed Martin and the F-35 has won contracts from NATO members, beating contenders as the french Rafale, the swedish JAS-39 Gripen and the partially built in Spain Eurofighter Typhoon, despite pleas from French authorities for its neighbors to “buy European.”

According to Military experts, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's success can be attributed primarily to its strong interoperability with allies and partners within NATO partners, and the aircraft's well-defined upgrade roadmap.

These factors combined have not worked for Spain, which has shown its preference for the partially homebuilt 4.5th-generation Eurofighter Typhoon and the FCAS (Future Combat Air System, 6th Gen aircraft developed for Germany, France and Spain). 

Speculation regarding the preference for the F-35 gained traction in May of this year, following the Spanish government's announcement of a commitment to increase its defense budget to align with NATO's targets by 2029.

At that time, Gen. Javier Salto Martínez-Avial, Chief of the Air & Space Force, outlined a "long-term" objective for the Spanish Ministry of Defense to acquire a fifth-generation fighter, alongside the procurement of additional Eurofighter Typhoons. However, it seems there has been some reevaluation internally, as the government appears less inclined to invest in the costly F-35 fighters from the United States.

The F-35B , the AV-8B+ Harrier and Armada Española (Spanish Navy)

This controversial decision to abandon the acquisition of the F-35 5th Generation fighter to replace the F-18 and AV-8B Harrier becomes even more contentious when considering the prospect that Spain will definitively lose, by the year 2028, the capability to deploy a fixed-wing naval aviation. Currently, the Navy's doctrine is focused on projecting its power through the support of fighter, bomber, and maritime attack aircraft. The absence of fixed-wing naval aircraft would imply that the LHD 'Juan Carlos I' and its battle group would lose their relevance and strategic purpose in a concerning international context.

The Spanish Navy is in a crucial phase of its evolution regarding its carrier-based strike fighters. The Harriers in service with the Navy are nearing the end of their operational life, and the successor and replacement time are yet to be decided. The Italian Navy, the US Marines, and the Royal Navy are transitioning to the F-35B, leaving the Spanish Navy as one of the last and only users of the Harrier.

Replacing the Harriers is a matter that requires careful planning, as the acquisition process takes a long time, depending on demand and production capacity. The Harrier AV-8B arrived in FLOAN in the 1980s in its "Day Attack" version and has undergone continuous improvements over the years, with the B+ version being the most recent. However, these aircraft are approaching the end of their service life, and they are expected to be retired around 2030.

In addition to platform obsolescence, it should be noted that in 2028, the cooperative program that has sustained the sustainability and updates of the Harriers throughout their lifecycle will end. Despite these limitations, work is ongoing on improvements, such as the installation of the Mode 5 IFF across the fleet, and other updates in avionics, systems, and weaponry to extend their relevance until retirement.

The only model that can replace the Harriers is the F-35B, a 5th generation aircraft capable of operating from amphibious ships, adopted by the US Marines, the Italian Navy, the Royal Navy, and more recently for the Japanese Navy. Losing the capability of having carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft would be a setback to the strategic ambition of the Spanish Navy. The flexibility provided by an embarked air wing with fixed-wing jets is evident, from combat air patrols to support in Marine Corps landings, combining firepower with other units for coordinated strikes or even the ability to target inland objectives.

The Spanish Navy recognizes the importance of ensuring its naval aviation capability and is working on acquiring the new F-35B, which is seen as an imminent necessity to maintain operational flexibility in a constantly evolving security environment.

The LTE of Eurofighter

The decision to withdraw from F-35 discussions also coincides with considerations for retrofitting the Long Term Evolution (LTE) upgrades onto the Eurofighter combat aircraft, potentially expanding its fleet.        

The Long Term Evolution [LTE] iteration of the Eurofighter represents a modernized rendition of the original Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancements to elevate its overall capabilities and performance.

Within the LTE variant, notable improvements are discernible across critical domains such as avionics, sensors, and communication systems. These advancements contribute to heightened situational awareness, superior data-sharing capabilities, and increased interoperability with both airborne and ground systems.

A pivotal aspect of the LTE version lies in its state-of-the-art radar system. Equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array [AESA] radar, this configuration delivers an expanded detection range, enhanced target tracking precision, and heightened resilience against electronic countermeasures.

Complementing the radar upgrade, the LTE variant also encompasses refinements to its electronic warfare systems. This ensures a bolstered self-protection mechanism and improved countermeasures to effectively mitigate potential threats.

In response to a question posed by Janes at IQPC International Fighter Conference [IFC] 2023, regarding the interest of the Spanish Air and Space Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio: EdAE) in the LTE upgrade, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) indicated that this enhancement could be applied across the entire Eurofighter fleet, encompassing aircraft currently under contract or earmarked for future procurement.

The MoD clarified, “Halcon I and Halcon II will not be acquired with the LTE standard, currently under development. However, both Halcon I and Halcon II, along with earlier tranches, may undergo an upgrade to the LTE standard in the future.”

Ejército del Airte is integrating 20 Tranche 4 (contracted under Halcon I) and 25 Tranche 4+ (selected under Halcon II, with a pending contract) aircraft into its existing fleet of 17 Tranche 1, 32 Tranche 2, and 19 Tranche 3 Eurofighters, which serve as a partial replacement for the 91 EF-18A and EF-18B Hornets.

Given that the LTE modifications would not be suitable for the Tranche 1 aircraft, it leaves 96 Tranche 2, 3, 4, and 4+ Eurofighters (along with any potential leftovers from a prospective Halcon III purchase for Tranche 5) eligible for potential LTE enhancements.

Under a €2-billion contract negotiated and signed last year, Spain is slated to receive 20 Typhoons between 2025 and 2030 to replace its aging F-18 aircraft. The decision to opt for Typhoons over the American stealth fighter played a significant role, driven by the political self-interest of European nations involved in Typhoon production. Airbus’s industrial footprint in Spain, sustaining 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, including the assembly and testing of Spain’s newest Typhoons, undoubtedly factored into this decision.

While incorporating upgrades into its extensive fleet won't transform the Eurofighter into a modern stealth jet, it will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of Spain's Eurofighter operations. 

Related: 

Spain approves deal for 25 New Eurofighters under 'Halcon II' program

Spain could have finalised deal for 32 F-35s to replace EF-18's and Harriers

France, Germany, Spain agree on moving on with FCAS development

France Commits €12B for Rafale (Standard 5) and UAV NEURON Development in the Next Decade, Adding €1.3B for FCAS by 2026.

France's Defense Program for the next four years (2023-2026) plans to allocate 1.3 billion euros for the Future Air Combat System (FCAS). This investment provides clarity regarding France's continuity in this project, where it collaborates with Germany and Spain as equal partners.

The FCAS, a 6th-generation fighter that will replace Germany and Spain's Eurofighters, as well as France's Rafales, will require a joint investment of 8 billion euros by 2029. Of this amount, France commits 1.3 billion euros until 2026, with an additional 300 million euros budgeted for subsequent stages of the program, totaling 1.65 billion euros.

The majority of these funds (specifically 1 billion euros) will be allocated to Phase 1B of the program, involving three years of work with a total cost of 3 billion euros, to be shared equally among the three partners. This phase will lay the foundation for the second stage of the program, lasting three years, and will conclude in 2029 with the first tests of the next-generation combat aircraft, the central piece of the program, as well as other systems such as remote operators and the combat cloud. Altogether, this represents an anticipated expenditure of 8 billion euros by 2029, to be distributed equally among the three countries.

Additional Investments in the Rafale and UAV Neuron

France's new defense plan for the period 2024 to 2030 includes funding for a new Rafale (Standard 5) and a successor to the Neuron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This has raised questions about the need for collaboration programs like the FCAS, as France appears capable of independent development, as was the case with the Eurofighter program, from which Paris withdrew to develop the Rafale.

In summary, the French Armed Forces plan to allocate 6.4 billion euros to the Rafale within the 2023-2026 defense program law, with an additional 5.36 billion euros after that period, bringing the total to approximately 12 billion euros for this aircraft over the next decade.

This breakdown reveals that 2.27 billion euros will be directed towards the development and production of the F4 variant of the Rafale. The new budget for the Armed Forces, corresponding to 2024, includes over 200 million euros for the F5 version, capable of operating with unmanned aircraft, aligning with the ongoing development of the UAV Neuron by Dassault Aviation, also the manufacturer of the Rafale. For progress in the Neuron, the new budget anticipates an expenditure of 128 million euros in 2024. The majority of the planned expenses for the Rafale are earmarked for the acquisition of additional aircraft, totaling 8.5 billion euros. In total, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces plans to acquire 55 additional Rafales, aiming to have around 225 units by 2035.

Related:

France, Germany, Spain agree on moving on with FCAS development

France and Germany to fire up stalled FCAS fighter jet project

FCAS Next development phase to be unblocked this month

France, Germany, Spain agree on moving on with FCAS development

France, Germany and Spain have reached agreement over starting the next phase of the development of a new fighter jet dubbed FCAS, Europe's largest defence project at an estimated cost of more than 100 billion euros.

The three countries and their respective industries had struck a deal.

A French official also confirmed that the industries, seen as the main stumbling blocks on the way to an agreement recently, had found a deal to move to the next phase of the warplane project.

Previously, sources had said that the next development phase for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is expected to cost some 3.5 billion euros ($3.63 billion), to be shared equally by the three countries.

France's Dassault, Airbus and Indra - the latter two representing Germany and Spain, respectively - are involved in the scheme to start replacing French Rafale and German and Spanish Eurofighters from 2040.

French President Emmanuel Macron and then German Chancellor Angela Merkel first announced plans in July 2017 for FCAS, which will include a fighter jet and a range of associated weapons, including drones.

Lately, the project - originally meant to unify Europeans after the migration crisis and Britain's decision to leave the European Union - has been a source of tension between the two countries.

Last month, Macron cancelled a joint Franco-German ministerial meeting over disagreements with Berlin on a wide range of issues including defence and energy projects.

Both sides had been struggling for more than a year to agree the next stage of FCAS's development, although the French and German government broadly agreed on the project.

Some sources saw the blame lying with Dassault, as the company had refused to budge in a long-running row over intellectual property rights.

Other sources blamed Airbus for pushing for a bigger workshare of the Dassault-led project, insisting it should be given "equal footing" with the French company.

zawya

France and Germany to fire up stalled FCAS fighter jet project

France and Germany are ready to move to the next phase of the FCAS jet project, removing a key irritant in their bilateral relationship. The two countries and Airbus and Dassault Aviation, are close to formally advancing to a crucial stage of the FCAS, during which the demonstrator jet will be built. A deal could be reached in the coming days.

About €3.8bn had been earmarked for this next phase — dubbed “Phase 1b” — and a deadline set for the end of last year. Talks stalled after disagreements over intellectual property between the companies, how work would be divided, and over the jet’s specifications.  

Speaking in Berlin on Monday, chief of Airbus defence and space, signalled the next phase of FCAS was on a surer footing. FCAS is Europe’s biggest defence project. It was designed to enhance the continent’s strategic autonomy, strengthen political and military ties between its biggest economies and breathe new life into the European aerospace industry. 

Paris was also alarmed at Germany’s decision in March to buy 35 American-made F-35 JFS.

Germany argued that the F-35s were urgently needed to ensure its continued role in Nato’s system of nuclear sharing. FCAS was conceived to include a next-generation jet that is designed to work seamlessly with drones and be fitted with advanced communications systems. If finalised, it could replace the fighter jets flown by European air forces, such as the Eurofighter, Germany’s Tornado and France’s Rafale. 

Airbus and Dassault converged on the bare bones of an agreement just over two weeks ago, with each company making concessions. Dassault and Airbus declined to comment on the details of the discussions. The agreement salvages FCAS, although only for the prototype phase. The delays mean that delivery of a jet for 2040 is unlikely to be met. Tempest, which is developed by the UK and Italy with companies including BAE Systems and the UK arm of Italy’s Leonardo. Talks are continuing with Japan over whether to integrate its F-X fighter jet programme with Tempest.

ft.com 

FCAS Next development phase to be unblocked this month

France and Germany want to immediately resolve their differences over FCAS programme, in which Spain also participates.

The FCAS has been stalled for more than a year because of serious disagreements between the interests of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, personified by the company's 62-year-old CEO since 2013, Eric Trappier, and those of his German counterpart, Michael Schoellhorn, 55, who has captained Airbus Defence and Space GmbH since July 2021.

The dispute that is preventing the industrial contract from being signed and which is forcing work on the nine technology pillars of the FCAS programme to be put on hold has one main reason: Trappier's refusal to share flight control system information and stealth technologies. As the main contractor for the development of the new aircraft, Dassault is hiding its position by claiming that it does not want Airbus to interfere in the management of its work as the main contractor for the future fighter.

But it looks like a solution is on the way in a few days. Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz have decided to postpone their bilateral summit on 26 October in order to come to their annual meeting with their FCAS homework done. Also with agreements already concluded on other common military programmes of great relevance for defence, the economy and the creation of new jobs in both nations, especially for France.

In the new French government headed since May by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, President Macron gave the go-ahead for the replacement of his defence minister, Florence Parly, by Sébastien Lecornu. A colonel in the National Gendarmerie in the reserves and a pragmatic politician, Lecornu had been the head of the Overseas France portfolio in the government of Prime Minister Jean Castex since 2020.

The dispute that is preventing the industrial contract from being signed and which is forcing work on the nine technology pillars of the FCAS programme to be put on hold has one main reason: Trappier's refusal to share flight control system information and stealth technologies. As the main contractor for the development of the new aircraft, Dassault is hiding its position by claiming that it does not want Airbus to interfere in the management of its work as the main contractor for the future fighter.

atalayar 

NEWS 2022 March, 8

FCAS program stalls, no agreement between Dassault (France) and Airbus (Germany)One of Europe’s key weapon developments has stalled as the prime contractors have failed to reach agreement on the path forward.

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program — intended to provide new military capabilities to France, Germany, and Spain by 2040 – has yet to enter its research-and-development phase, and risks falling behind schedule if the industry partners cannot compromise on key workshare allowances.

Two of the three prime contractors, Airbus and Dassault, haven’t reached a deal to launch the R&D-related Phase 1B that would lead to a prototype fighter jet by 2027.

The Phase 1B contract has been prepared by the French military procurement agency Direction générale de l’armement (DGA).

The German, French, and Spanish defense ministers reached their own trinational agreement last summer, which formalized the nations’ funding commitments through Phase 1B and 2, culminating in an initial prototype by 2027. In an Aug. 31 tweet lauding the deal, the German Defense Ministry pointedly said: “Now it’s industry’s turn – come to an agreement.”

The trinational program isn’t the only source of tension between France and Germany at the moment. Reports have emerged that Berlin is once again considering buying U.S.-made F-35 Fighters as it phases out its aging Tornado fleet.

defensenews

Poland will not transfer their Soviet era made fightersto Ukraine

Days after a European Union-announced plan to supply Ukraine with fighter jets fell through upon statements from Polish, Slovakian and Bulgarian defense officials, it appears the U.S. government is still encouraging a transfer of jets to Ukraine despite Russian warnings.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said a potential transfer of Polish Air Force MiG-29s to Ukraine would get a “green light” from the U.S. government to proceed. Blinken added there are ongoing negotiations with the Polish government, with particular attention to how Poland would replace those jets with American fighters.

Despite Secretary Blinken’s endorsement, the Polish government is swiftly labeling any claims that Poland has or will provide its MiGs to Ukraine as “fake news.” The Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister’s Twitter account has habitually replied to claims with a quote tweet from the Polish Armed Force emphasizing Polish MiG-29s are not in Ukraine.

hedrive

SPAIN GETS FULL PARTNERSHIP IN FCAS PROJECT

Spanish industry has been formally included within a multinational effort initiated by France and Germany to develop a Future Combat Air System (FCAS), following a 10-month “onboarding” process. 

The step sees Madrid attain equal status to Paris and Berlin during the FCAS initiative’s Joint Concept Study activity, including a Phase 1A work package launched in February 2020. Airbus Spain will be prime contractor for work related to the FCAS project’s low observable technology, acting in partnership with Airbus Germany and Dassault. 

Airbus also will head New Generation Fighter (NGF) activities for Madrid, while Indra is to lead on sensors. Current Phase 1A activities are working towards a series of technology demonstrations to be conducted from 2026, including of an NGF platform, which should get airborne for the first time in the second half of that year. 

flightglobal

French-German fighter program FCAS cleared for technology demos, Spain remains a spectator

France and Germany this week advanced their joint combat aircraft program, signing an agreement that allows five technology demonstrations to move ahead.
The second iteration of the so-called Implementing Agreement covers work on the main aircraft of the Future Combat Air System, its propulsion system, accompanying drones, the data architecture and the simulation environment, according to a German Defence Ministry spokeswoman.
Florence Parly and Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the French and German defense ministers, respectively, signed the document on Feb. 20. The Spanish deputy defense secretary, Angelo Olivares, also attended the signing ceremony to catch up on a program cooperation agreement signed by France and Germany last summer.
Spain joined the FCAS program after France and Germany had already launched it. With this week’s agreement covering work by French and German contractors only, Spain’s industry for now remains a spectator to what all countries involved say is a three-nation affair.
defensenews