Spain has decided to postpone plans to buy US-made F-35 stealth fighters, despite preliminary negotiations having begun and the 2023 defense budget having spent more than 6 billion euros to replace the old Harrier and F-18 fighters.
The main reason is the new defense spending regulation of the European Union (EU), which requires 85% of the budget in the 10.5 billion euro defense plan to be spent on the bloc's defense industry. That makes it impossible for the deal with the US to progress. This decision is in line with the EU's strategy of enhancing defense autonomy and reducing dependence on foreign weapons.
Spain had previously planned to buy about 50 F-35s to replace the Navy's AV-8B fighter squad, expected to retire in 2030. At the same time, consider using the F-35A as a temporary solution for the air force until the EU's 6th generation FCAS fighter project is completed, not expected before 2040.
However, Spain has only increased the number of Eurofighters to replace the old F-18.
Although the F-35 is considered the most advanced fighter jet today, Spanish military leaders admitted that they will continue to use the fourth generation until FCAS is ready. Admiral Teodoro Lopez Calderon - Chief of the General Staff of the Spanish Armed Forces once said: "We will have to live with the 4th generation fighters and hope FCAS will come in time".
This decision comes amid signs of tensions between Madrid and Washington. At the NATO summit in June, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected the defense spending target of 5% of GDP proposed by US President Donald Trump, leading to a warning of tariffs from Washington. The US has also repeatedly urged its allies to buy weapons, including the F-35, even though lockheed Martin insists the plane for Spain will be assembled in Italy and qualified as a European product.
Spain is not the only case, as Germany and Canada are also reviewing F-35 orders due to concerns about costs, control and political pressure.
