The Spanish government has signed a contract with Munich-based, Germany, NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) for the acquisition of 25 Eurofighter aircraft. Known as the Halcon II programme, the order will cover the delivery of 21 latest-generation single-seat and four twin-seat Eurofighter aircraft to replace part of the F-18 fleet operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force.
The agreement, which follows a previous contract signed in 2022 for a batch of 20 fighter jets, will see the Spanish Eurofighter fleet grow to 115 aircraft. With the first delivery due in 2030, these new aircraft will: boost Spain’s air-power capabilities and operations; reinforce its prominent position at the heart of NATO, and secure the programme’s industrial footprint.
“The Eurofighter is the most advanced and the most successful fighter jet from European production and is the backbone of European air superiority. It is also a symbol of industrial cooperation between nations and companies – an example of how Europe can work in our current defence context. We are grateful for the trust of the Spanish government in our Eurofighter and in Airbus Defence and Space. Not only is this order an important demand and defence signal, it secures the supply chain in Spain and across Europe,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
All Spanish Eurofighters are assembled, tested and delivered at the Airbus Getafe site (Madrid-Spain) and its industrial footprint translates into more than 16,000 direct and indirect jobs in Spain alone. The main national defence and technological companies are involved in the manufacturing process. The acquisition was approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers in September 2023 and includes the aircraft, engines, and the necessary support services.
Designed to replace the country’s F-18 fleet, the Halcon programme means a significant upgrade of Spain’s airpower capabilities: a total of 45 (20+25) Eurofighter jets ordered since 2022, equipped with advanced avionics, electronically-scanning radar (E-Scan), enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Full Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity. They will join the current Spanish Air Force’s 70 aircraft fleet from 2026 onwards.
In service with Spain since 2003, the country’s air force operates the Eurofighter from the air bases at Morón (11th Wing), near Seville, and Los Llanos (14th Wing), Albacete. Gando (46th Wing), on the Canary Islands, will soon become the next operating base. In total, the Eurofighter programme secures more than 100,000 jobs in Europe, which will be boosted through latest-generation aircraft, as well as in the future, through technological advances within the Eurofighter development. To date, more than 700 Eurofighters have been ordered by eight nations.
Airbus awarded contract to build OneWeb low orbit constellation extension
Airbus Defence and Space has been awarded a contract by Eutelsat to build the extension of its OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation.
Under the contract signed between the two companies, Airbus will build the first batches of the extension, totalling 100 satellites, with delivery targeted from the end of 2026, ensuring continuity and enhancement of service for current and future customers.
Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space said: “Airbus manufactured all of the current OneWeb satellite fleet. We are committed to the successful continuation of the OneWeb constellation and to keep serving the business of Eutelsat as we have done over the past decades.”
Eva Berneke, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat Group commented: “We are relying on our long-standing partner, Airbus, to begin building the first batches of the Next Generation of our OneWeb LEO constellation, which will ensure we deliver continuity of service of the existing constellation with enhanced service features, as we move towards an architecture in line with the European IRIS2 constellation in 2030. Our in-market experience shows us that the appetite for low Earth orbit capacity is growing rapidly, and we are excited to embark on the next stage of our journey to satisfy that demand.”
The new satellites will enable key technology upgrades, notably 5G on-ground integration and ensure technology architecture compatibility with Europe’s planned IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation, due to enter operational service in 2030, of which Eutelsat will be one of the main operators.
All 100 new satellites will be built at the Airbus site in Toulouse. Production is expected to start in 2026.
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