Spanish Navy eagerly awaiting decision on purchase of F-35B fighter-bombers.

In Opex360, Laurent Lagneau reminds us that the Spanish Navy (Flotilla de Aeronaves, FLOAN) has been equipped with AV-8B Harrier II fighter-bombers for nearly 40 years. Currently, there are 13 aircraft in service with the 9th Aeronautical Squadron, which operates from the amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I. Their retirement is planned for around 2030, with maintenance assured until 2028.

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To replace its combat aircraft, FLOAN has limited options, with the only suitable option being the F-35B (Picture source: U.S. Navy)

Although these aircraft have been modernized since their introduction, including being upgraded to the EAV-8B+ Matador II standard between 1996 and 2003, they will soon reach the end of their operational life. However, at the moment, no decision has been made regarding their potential replacement. This is causing concern for Captain José Emilio Regodón Gómez, the commander of FLOAN.

So far, the only decisions made by the Spanish government regarding FLOAN have involved ordering new MH-60R and H135 helicopters (NH-90 in transport version) and notifying Airbus of a new contract for the operational maintenance of its aircraft, including the AV-8B Harrier II.

To replace its combat aircraft, FLOAN has limited options, with the only suitable option being the Lockheed Martin F-35B, specifically the STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) version of the fighter-bomber. However, the cost of these aircraft and the potential political implications of the decision have delayed the acquisition. Captain Gómez believes that the indecision has gone on for long enough. Furthermore, he argues that not replacing the Harrier II would pose a problem since such carrier-based fighter-bombers are the only ones capable of effectively supporting amphibious operations or naval forces.