23 June 2022

ILA 2022: Spain signs for Halcon Eurofighters

by Gareth Jennings

A Spanish Air Force Eurofighter was displayed at the ILA Air Show in Berlin, where it was announced that the country has signed for 20 new aircraft under Project Halcon. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Spain has signed for 20 new Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft under Project Halcon (Falcon), the manufacturer said on 23 June.

Announced at the ILA Air Show in Berlin, the EUR2.04 billion (USD2.15 billion) deal signed between Airbus and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) will cover 16 single-seat and four twin-seat jets, with deliveries to commence in 2026.

“These new aircraft will enhance and position the Spanish Air Force fighter fleet among its NATO allies with the most modern fighter jet developed in Europe, as well as securing industrial activity through to 2030,” Airbus said.

The contract signature for Project Halcon follows the Spanish government approval for the deal that was granted in December 2021. The Project Halcon contract will see Airbus build Tranche 4 (company officials have previously called them Tranche 3+) Eurofighters that will replace the Spanish Air Force's (Ejército del Aire Español: EdAE) Boeing EF-18 Hornets based at the Canary Islands.

These Tranche 4 jets will be of the latest Tranche 3 standard, plus an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and other modifications. For Spain, the AESA will be the Leonardo European Common Radar System Mk 1, also known as ‘Radar 1', development of which is being led by Hensoldt and Indra.

Spain has signed for 20 new Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft under Project Halcon (Falcon), the m...

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