Spain Strengthens Its Air Fleet with 25 New Eurofighter Typhoon T4 Under Halcon II Program
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The Eurofighter consortium and the Spanish Ministry of Defense have finalized an order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoon T4+ combat aircraft under the Halcon II program, marking a significant step forward in renewing Spain’s air fleet. This agreement, initially discussed in 2023, was concluded at the 2024 International Fighter Conference (IFC) in Berlin on November 5, where an official contract was signed between Eurofighter and the NATO Eurofighter 2000 and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), responsible for the program on behalf of partner nations.
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Through this acquisition, the Spanish Ministry of Defense aims to modernize its air capabilities, gradually replacing its aging fleet of EF-18A/B “Hornet” jets, known as C.15 in the Spanish military. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a multirole combat aircraft, is designed by a European consortium of EADS, Alenia Aeronautica, and BAE Systems. Powered by two EUROJET EJ200 engines, it reaches a top speed of 2,495 km/h and a range of 2,900 km. Its delta-wing configuration and composite materials grant it exceptional agility and maneuverability, supported by advanced avionics with voice commands and a human-machine interface. Equipped with the CAPTOR M-Scan radar, recognized for its detection and tracking capabilities, the Typhoon can also be upgraded with AESA radar for enhanced performance, ensuring rapid and accurate battlefield awareness.
With 13 hardpoints for a variety of weapon systems, the Typhoon can be adapted for air superiority, close air support, maritime attack, and air defense missions. It can carry medium- and long-range air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles, in addition to its 27mm Mauser BK27 cannon. This flexible profile allows it to shift seamlessly between air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, making it a strategic asset for European air forces and partner nations.
Through this acquisition, the Spanish Ministry of Defense aims to modernize its air capabilities, gradually replacing its aging fleet of EF-18A/B “Hornet” jets, known as C.15 in the Spanish military. Including the initial batch of 20 Typhoon Tranche 4 aircraft slated for delivery by 2026, this new order brings Spain’s total to 45 latest-generation Typhoons. Spain’s Eurofighter fleet will now span multiple configurations: 17 Tranche 1 aircraft, 32 Tranche 2, 19 Tranche 3, and a total of 45 Tranche 4 and 4+ Typhoons, solidifying the Typhoon’s role as a cornerstone of Spain’s aerial defense.
In parallel, Spain is considering further purchases to diversify its combat aircraft capabilities. Future options include an additional Typhoon tranche under Halcon III or the acquisition of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II, allowing Spain to maintain a mixed fleet of European and U.S. aircraft, consistent with its defense strategy.
This agreement reinforces the Eurofighter consortium’s position in the global defense market. During the IFC, potential orders from other countries were highlighted: Qatar may acquire a second batch of 12 Typhoons, Saudi Arabia is considering an additional 54 units, Turkey is discussing 40, and Poland is evaluating a possible order for 32 aircraft. Eurofighter’s cooperation model enables client countries to participate in component production, bolstering local defense industries and strengthening industrial collaboration.
In line with its expansion strategy, Eurofighter is diversifying its offerings with specialized versions. Germany recently ordered Typhoon EK aircraft dedicated to electronic warfare, equipped with advanced Arexis EW systems and anti-radar missiles. These aircraft will replace the Tornado ECR fleet and enhance information superiority in modern conflicts.
The Halcon II agreement represents a milestone in modernizing Spanish air forces while underscoring Eurofighter’s growing influence in the global defense market. The Typhoon continues to prove itself as an adaptable aircraft that meets modern strategic defense needs for numerous nations.
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The Eurofighter consortium and the Spanish Ministry of Defense have finalized an order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoon T4+ combat aircraft under the Halcon II program, marking a significant step forward in renewing Spain’s air fleet. This agreement, initially discussed in 2023, was concluded at the 2024 International Fighter Conference (IFC) in Berlin on November 5, where an official contract was signed between Eurofighter and the NATO Eurofighter 2000 and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA), responsible for the program on behalf of partner nations.
Through this acquisition, the Spanish Ministry of Defense aims to modernize its air capabilities, gradually replacing its aging fleet of EF-18A/B “Hornet” jets, known as C.15 in the Spanish military. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a multirole combat aircraft, is designed by a European consortium of EADS, Alenia Aeronautica, and BAE Systems. Powered by two EUROJET EJ200 engines, it reaches a top speed of 2,495 km/h and a range of 2,900 km. Its delta-wing configuration and composite materials grant it exceptional agility and maneuverability, supported by advanced avionics with voice commands and a human-machine interface. Equipped with the CAPTOR M-Scan radar, recognized for its detection and tracking capabilities, the Typhoon can also be upgraded with AESA radar for enhanced performance, ensuring rapid and accurate battlefield awareness.
With 13 hardpoints for a variety of weapon systems, the Typhoon can be adapted for air superiority, close air support, maritime attack, and air defense missions. It can carry medium- and long-range air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles, in addition to its 27mm Mauser BK27 cannon. This flexible profile allows it to shift seamlessly between air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, making it a strategic asset for European air forces and partner nations.
Through this acquisition, the Spanish Ministry of Defense aims to modernize its air capabilities, gradually replacing its aging fleet of EF-18A/B “Hornet” jets, known as C.15 in the Spanish military. Including the initial batch of 20 Typhoon Tranche 4 aircraft slated for delivery by 2026, this new order brings Spain’s total to 45 latest-generation Typhoons. Spain’s Eurofighter fleet will now span multiple configurations: 17 Tranche 1 aircraft, 32 Tranche 2, 19 Tranche 3, and a total of 45 Tranche 4 and 4+ Typhoons, solidifying the Typhoon’s role as a cornerstone of Spain’s aerial defense.
In parallel, Spain is considering further purchases to diversify its combat aircraft capabilities. Future options include an additional Typhoon tranche under Halcon III or the acquisition of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II, allowing Spain to maintain a mixed fleet of European and U.S. aircraft, consistent with its defense strategy.
This agreement reinforces the Eurofighter consortium’s position in the global defense market. During the IFC, potential orders from other countries were highlighted: Qatar may acquire a second batch of 12 Typhoons, Saudi Arabia is considering an additional 54 units, Turkey is discussing 40, and Poland is evaluating a possible order for 32 aircraft. Eurofighter’s cooperation model enables client countries to participate in component production, bolstering local defense industries and strengthening industrial collaboration.
In line with its expansion strategy, Eurofighter is diversifying its offerings with specialized versions. Germany recently ordered Typhoon EK aircraft dedicated to electronic warfare, equipped with advanced Arexis EW systems and anti-radar missiles. These aircraft will replace the Tornado ECR fleet and enhance information superiority in modern conflicts.
The Halcon II agreement represents a milestone in modernizing Spanish air forces while underscoring Eurofighter‘s growing influence in the global defense market. The Typhoon continues to prove itself as an adaptable aircraft that meets modern strategic defense needs for numerous nations.
