Spain Signs Deal to Keep Its F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jets Combat-Ready.

On September 11, 2024, the Spanish government approved significant defense contract concerning F-18 fighter jets, totaling 40 million euros, as part of a series of agreements recently authorized by the Council of Ministers. This budget allocation will be used to purchase various equipment and materials specifically for the F-18s, to enhance the operational capabilities of these aircraft within the Air Force.

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Spanish F/A-18A/B MLU Hornet Fighter Jet (Picture source: NATO)

The funds designated for the F-18s will cover the purchase of essential spare parts and other equipment necessary to maintain the operational condition of these aircraft. This funding is part of a broader effort to modernize and support the current Air Force fleet, ensuring that these aircraft remain reliable and combat-ready.

The approval of these funds by the Council of Ministers is a crucial step, officially launching the procurement procedures in accordance with governmental regulations. This includes the publication of the contract details on the Contracting Platform, where the tendering process can be followed by interested parties.

The Spanish Air Force has been using the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets since the mid-1980s, making it a central element of its tactical aircraft fleet. Spain became the first European country to use the F/A-18 when it decided to replace its older F-4C Phantom and F-5 Freedom Fighters. The initial purchase included 72 F-18A single-seat and 12 F-18B two-seat models directly from the U.S. Navy, marking the Hornet's first entry into service in Europe.

During its service, the Spanish F/A-18s have participated in various NATO operations, reflecting their significant role in Spain's defense strategy. The Hornets took part in operations in the Balkans during the 1990s, including enforcing no-fly zones and ground attack missions during the Bosnian and Kosovo Wars. The Spanish Hornets were based in Aviano, Italy, during these operations and worked closely with other NATO forces, demonstrating their capability in multinational operations.

In addition to European operations, the Spanish F/A-18s were also deployed during the Libyan Civil War in 2011 as part of Operation Unified Protector, enforcing a no-fly zone and conducting airstrikes against ground targets. This operation further tested the Hornets in various combat scenarios, from air-to-air missions to ground attack roles.

The aircraft have undergone several upgrades over the years to enhance their operational capabilities and extend their service life. These upgrades included mid-life updates with advanced avionics, improved communication systems, and new weapons compatibility, including the integration of the Taurus KEPD 350 long-range cruise missiles and upgrades to their electronic warfare systems.

The Spanish Air Force is transitioning to newer aircraft, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, but the F/A-18 still plays a vital role in their current fleet, especially given its proven combat reliability and versatility in various missions.

According to The Military Balance 2023, the Spanish Air Force is still equipped with five squadrons of F/A-18A/B MLU Hornet (72 fighter jets), designated EF-18A/B MLU, for combat and ground attack missions. These aircraft are primarily stationed in the Canary Islands and at Torrejón Air Base near Madrid. In addition to these aircraft, it also has two squadrons equipped with Eurofighter Typhoon for air combat operations. These formations underscore Spain's ability to conduct diversified aerial operations, strengthening its role within NATO and in international peacekeeping missions.