Spain has decided to extend the service life of its F-18 fighters due to delays in the implementation of the European program for the creation of next-generation FCAS fighters and the lack of available alternatives.
elchi reports that this was stated by “Euractiv”.
The Ministry of Defense has tasked the company “Indra” with developing new test benches for avionics, which will allow extending the service life of more than 60 F-18 aircraft until 2040. By that time, these aircraft will be over 50 years old.
“This is nothing more than a temporary measure,” noted independent defense consultant Enrique Navarro Gil.
He stated that Spain has already ordered 45 “Eurofighter Halcón I” and “Halcón II” fighters, but their delivery will extend into the next decade. Once the F-18s are decommissioned, the country’s Air Force will effectively be left with only one type of combat aircraft — the “Eurofighter”.
Extending the service life of the F-18s will require additional costs. The government states that the modernization and maintenance of the aircraft will become more complex and expensive.
One possible alternative could have been the American F-35 fighters, but Spain has halted their procurement, prioritizing the European defense industry. This move also complicates the replacement of carrier-based “Harrier” aircraft, which are set to be retired by 2032.
According to Navarro, such a decision creates a “significant strategic gap” for Spain in the defense sector.
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