Spain Shelves Plan to Buy F-35 fighter Jet opts for Eurofighter

Geopolitics of US-Spain: Drifting Apart

Spain has decided to replace its aging military aircraft fleet with European-made jets instead of purchasing the US F-35 fighter jet, causing tensions with Washington. This decision reflects broader strains in Spain-US defense relations, especially after Spain refused to meet Donald Trump’s demand to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

Key Points:

• Spain opts for current Eurofighter and future Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program with France and Germany, avoiding US F-35 jets.
• Decision heightens strain between Madrid and Washington; Trump criticized Spain’s refusal to boost military expenditure.
• Political context includes Spain’s moderate defense spending position within NATO and criticism of US policies under Trump.
• Spain’s move aligns with growing European skepticism about reliance on US defense, seen also in Switzerland and Portugal.
• FCAS program still in early development, aiming for service by 2040, but faces risks from disagreements among Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Indra.
• Spain plans to retire AV-8B Harrier and F-18 jets by 2030s; recently agreed to buy 25 new Eurofighter jets despite their lower capabilities compared to the F-35.

Our view is that Spain is one of the laggards within NATO and the move to buy a inferior European plane is a way to hedge against Trump. Some articles point out the reliability of the US, when in fact they should point out the reliability of countries like Spain and Portugal which are laggards in NATO defense spending. In their defense, both countries feel less threatened by Russia than eastern European countries and are facing fiscal problems financing additional defense spending. Thus, questionioning the reliability of the US is in fact a deflection of their own reliability towards the defense of NATO.

The choice to prioritize European defense projects over American alternatives highlights Spain’s commitment to strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy in defense matters. By investing in the FCAS program alongside France and Germany, Spain is betting on a long-term vision for a unified European air combat system that could serve multiple nations while reducing dependency on US technology and logistics.

However, this path is not without challenges. The FCAS project is still in its infancy, and the cooperation among the three main industrial players—Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Indra—is complex. Disagreements over design priorities, technology sharing, and production timelines could delay the program or increase costs. Moreover, the FCAS jet is not expected to be operational until around 2040, leaving a significant gap between the retirement of Spain’s current fighters and the arrival of the new generation.

To bridge this gap, Spain’s recent procurement of 25 additional Eurofighter Typhoons serves as an interim solution. While the Eurofighter is a capable aircraft, it does not match the stealth and advanced sensor capabilities of the F-35, potentially impacting Spain’s tactical edge in future conflicts. This compromise underscores the trade-offs involved in Spain’s strategy to balance immediate defense needs with long-term industrial and geopolitical goals.

For the Spanish Navy, the retirement of the Harrier jets without a direct F-35 replacement poses operational challenges for the Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier, which relies on carrier-capable jets for power projection and defense. The Navy will need to explore alternative solutions, possibly involving upgrades to existing platforms or future carrier-compatible aircraft developments within the FCAS framework.

From a diplomatic perspective, Spain’s decision has been met with mixed reactions. The United States has expressed disappointment, viewing the rejection of the F-35 as a setback for transatlantic defense cooperation. Conversely, European partners have largely welcomed Spain’s commitment to the FCAS program as a positive step toward consolidating Europe’s defense industry and reducing reliance on external powers.

In summary, Spain’s move away from the F-35 toward European alternatives reflects broader trends in European defense policy focused on autonomy and industrial collaboration. While it presents certain risks and short-term capability gaps, it also offers opportunities for innovation and strategic independence within Europe’s evolving security landscape.