Key Takeaways
- The first Halcon I Eurofighter for Spain has been successfully rolled out at Airbus Defence’s Getafe facility in Madrid, with engine tests and maiden flight preparations in progress.
- The 20 aircraft will feature advanced E-Scan AESA radar and Full Meteor missile capabilities, with deliveries starting in 2026.
- This initiative aims to replace Spain’s aging F-18 fleet, enhancing air defense in strategic Atlantic locations.
Overview of the Halcon I Eurofighter Program
Airbus Defence has announced the rollout of the first Halcon I Eurofighter, marking the start of a new generation of combat aircraft for the Spanish Air Force. As of now, preparations for the aircraft’s first engine run and maiden flight are underway at the Getafe facility in Madrid, which has previously been responsible for all Spanish Eurofighters since the initial aircraft entered service in 2003.
The rollout signifies the completion of the first unit from Spain’s 20-aircraft Halcon I order, signed in June 2022. This order includes the first Eurofighter Tranche 4, with deliveries to commence in 2026. Spanish Air Force Chief of Staff General Francisco Braco Carbó has confirmed that the first three aircraft will join the fleet this year.
The Halcon I Eurofighters will introduce significant upgrades over Spain’s current fleet, specifically through the incorporation of E-Scan radar technology. This Active Electronically Scanned Array system replaces the old mechanically rotating radar with a fixed array of modules capable of electronically shaping the radar beam. The new technology allows for simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, rapid switching between operational modes, reduced likelihood of detection by enemy systems, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
Additionally, the aircraft will be equipped with the Full Meteor missile, which offers a range exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles), significantly enhancing offensive capabilities compared to older models that utilize AMRAAM missiles. The Halcon I will also incorporate the Brimstone III air-to-ground precision missile.
The incoming Halcon I Eurofighters are set to replace the aging F-18 Hornet fleet stationed at Gando air base in the Canary Islands. This base plays a critical role in air defense and surveillance due to its strategic position near the Strait of Gibraltar and eastern Atlantic shipping lanes. The aging F-18s are nearing the end of their operational lives, making the introduction of the Halcon I Eurofighters essential for maintaining air defense in this vital region.
Spain’s commitment to the Eurofighter program has expanded significantly since the original Halcon I contract. In December 2024, Spain signed an additional agreement for 25 aircraft under the Halcon II program, bringing the total ordered Eurofighters since 2022 to 45. Together, these aircraft will serve to modernize and enhance capabilities across the Spanish Air Force, effectively replacing the F-18s across its three Eurofighter wings.
The Eurofighter Typhoon program has been continuously evolving since its inception, with successive variants incorporating advanced avionics, sensors, and weapons. The Tranche 4 aircraft, which Spain is set to receive under the Halcon I program, inherently features the E-Scan radar, redesigned cockpit displays, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of European air combat technology.
This aircraft is powered by Eurojet EJ200 engines, producing approximately 90 kilonewtons (20,230 pounds) of thrust in afterburner, allowing for supercruise capabilities—sustained supersonic flight without the need for afterburners. This feature places the Typhoon in a unique category few fighters can match, further solidifying the Spanish Air Force’s enhanced combat capabilities in the coming years.
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