Airbus [MIL-1AIR] Defence and Space has rolled out the first Eurofighter Typhoon produced for the Spanish Air and Space Force under the HALCÓN I programme at its Getafe facility near Madrid. The aircraft, a twin-seat Typhoon designated ST015, is the first of 20 new-build fighters ordered by Spain in June 2022.
The HALCÓN I contract covers 16 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during 2026 and will support the gradual replacement of Spain’s ageing F/A-18 Hornet fleet.
According to Airbus, all HALCÓN I aircraft will be equipped with the E-Scan AESA radar. The programme represents one of the most significant capability upgrades introduced to the Eurofighter line since the Tranche 3A standard, combining the new radar with updated avionics, enhanced connectivity and expanded weapons integration.
The rollout follows the public unveiling of Germany’s first Tranche 4 Eurofighter in May, reflecting a broader shift across the programme toward AESA-radar-equipped production aircraft.
The new aircraft will initially be assigned to Ala 14 at Albacete Air Base. Their arrival will allow existing Eurofighters to be transferred to Gando Air Base in the Canary Islands, where they will replace the current F/A-18 Hornet fleet operated by 462 Squadron.
The Canary Islands occupy a strategically important position on NATO’s southwestern flank, overlooking approaches to the Strait of Gibraltar and key sea lines of communication in the eastern Atlantic. The deployment will ensure that Spain maintains modern fighter coverage over the Canary Islands after the retirement of its ageing Hornet fleet.
HALCÓN I forms part of a broader Spanish Eurofighter modernisation effort. In December 2024, Madrid signed the HALCÓN II agreement for a further 25 aircraft, bringing Spain’s total order for new-generation Eurofighters under both programmes to 45 aircraft.
Together, HALCÓN I and HALCÓN II will deliver 45 new Eurofighters to Spain and underpin the long-term modernisation of the country’s combat aviation fleet.
The rollout marks another milestone in the transition of the Eurofighter programme toward AESA-radar-equipped production aircraft, with Spain becoming the latest operator to receive the new standard.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
