Spanish Government approves €7 billion defense investment for C-295 Aircraft and Eurofighter Jets.

On September 12, 2023, the Spanish government approved contracts for defense investments that include 16 C-295 aircraft and 25 new Eurofighter jets. The Defense Ministry plans to allocate 7 billion euros for these programs and other smaller contracts. The emphasis of investments is placed on the Air and Space Force.

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 Acquisition of 25 new Eurofighter jets to replace some F-18s at the Torrejón and Zaragoza bases. (Picture source: Airbus)

The contract for 16 C-295 aircraft was approved, of which 6 are intended for maritime patrol and 10 for maritime surveillance. The contract is valued at €2.034 billion and is expected to be finalized by the end of 2023. The acquisition aims to replace capabilities lost with the retirement of the last P3 Orion.

A separate program involves the acquisition of 25 new Eurofighter jets to replace some F-18s at the Torrejón and Zaragoza bases. The program is estimated at 4.593 billion euros. This cost also includes provisions for the 20 Eurofighter Halcón I jets previously acquired. The spending cap has been authorized and additional approval is required.

An investment of 207.4 million euros is planned for the acquisition of laser designator pods for air combat systems over the next four years. Another 95 million euros are allocated for operational support for Defense Ministry aircraft, and 20 million euros are set aside for spare parts for F-5 fighter jets.

Companies such as Indra, SAES, and Tecnobit are expected to be involved in the C-295 program. ITP Aero is expected to contribute engines to the Eurofighter program, alongside other companies such as GMV and CESA.