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Spain stayed neutral during World War 2. During the Cold War Spain was drawn to the West. In 1953 an agreement was made with the United States. Spain receives military aid in exchange for American military facilities in the country (i.e. Torrejón, Rota). Spanish naval aviation comes to life in November 1954 when the Arma Aerea de la Armada Espanola (Spanish Fleet Air Arm) is established. The Spanish Army aviation is established on 10 July 1965 as Aviacion Ligera del Ejercito de Tierra. It was renamed Fuerza Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (FAMET) in March 1973. When Franco died in 1975 the democracy was restored. This made it possible for Spain to join NATO in 1982. Nowadays the Spanish armed forces are in a continuous modernization programme. Further (secondhand) F/A-18s have been delivered, they will serve as a stopgap until the 87 ordered Eurofighter Typhoons have been delivered. Other new aircraft are Eurocopter EC120B helicopters to replace the H269s of Ala 78. Also, nine Casa C295s are on order, to supplement Ala 35's fleet of CN235s. There are also plans to replace the fleet of C101 jettrainers.

AIRCRAFT OF THE SPANISH AIR FORCE :

- FIGHTERS :

- EF-2000 Eurofighter

The four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon is a foreplane delta-wing, beyond-visual-range, close air fighter aircraft with surface attack capability. Eurofighter has 'supercruise' capability: it can fly at sustained speeds of over Mach 1 without the use of afterburner.An overall production contract for 620 aircraft was signed in January 1998, with 232 for the UK, 180 for Germany, 121 for Italy and 87 for Spain.As well as an internally mounted 27mm Mauser gun, the EurofighterTyphoon has 13 hard points for weapon carriage: four under each wing and five under the fuselage.

- Mc Donnell Douglas EF-18 Hornet

Nowadays the Spanish armed forces are in a continuous modernization programme. Further (secondhand) F/A-18s have been delivered, they will serve as a stopgap until the 87 ordered Eurofighter Typhoons have been delivered.109 EF-18s are in service in the Spanish Airforce.

EADS Military Aircraft carries out depot inspections on the EF-18 Hornets flown by the Spanish Air Force.

The comprehensive maintenance program covers the engines, fuel systems, installation of a new VOR/ILS and repair work. EADS Military Aircraft is also implementing an update program for EF-18 Hornet. This program includes COMMS/NAV/INDENT and EW systems, cockpit upgrades, MIDS LVT, improvements to the aircraft structure and modern mission computers. The first prototype equipped with the new systems was completed in mid 2000.

- Mirage F-1CE/EE/EDA

A total of fifty Mirage F-1 aircraft are in service with the Spanish Air Force as fighter aircraft and fighter bombers.

The modernisation programme for these aircraft covers 46 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft. The focus of this programme is primarily on optimisations in the communications systems and the weapon, self-defence and navigation systems in line with the current NATO standards. A further objective was the standardisation of the aircraft cockpits.

- RF-4C PHANTOM II

The Spanish Airforce uses the F-4 Phantom in the reconnaissance role.

11 RF-4C are in service in the Spanish Airforce, soon to be replaced by the EF-18.

- TRAINING :

- Freedom Fighter/ Northrop F-5B

From 1970 onwards, a total of 70 F-5 aircraft were manufactured for the Spanish Air Force by CASA under licence from Northrop. Over the course of the years, various modernisation programmes have been carried out on these aircraft.

These include newly certified and structurally re-developed wings and the conversion of single-seater F-5A aircraft into twin-seater F-5B aircraft. The aim of this programme was to be able to use the largest possible number of twin-seaters as trainer aircraft.

- CASA C-101 Mirlo

At the end of the sixties, it emerged that the Spanish Air Force required a new, up-to-date jet trainer to replace its fleet of T-6, HA 200 and T-33 aircraft. The requirement was for an aircraft with excellent manoeuvrability, easy handling and low operating costs.

The prototype had its first flight on 27.6.1977 in Getafe. The first production aircraft entered service for the Spanish Air Force from 1980 onwards under the name "Mirlo".The C-101 has an integrated navigation and weapon system with a head-up display, air data and mission computer and an inertial navigation platform. In addition, the modular design allows the aircraft to be used for armed patrol, reconnaissance and ECM missions.

-TRANSPORT :

- CN-235

The CN-235 is a high-wing, pressurised, twin turboprop tactical transport aircraft capable of operating from short, unpaved runways. The CN-235 is in military service in more than 20 countries worldwide, and it enjoys an excellent reputation for mission versatility, minimal support requirements, safe and reliable operation in all kinds of environments and low operating costs. It can carry a maximum payload of 6,000 kg and its maximum cruising speed is 245 kt (455 km/h).

- C-295

The Spanish Air Force announced in April 1999 a launch order for nine C-295s. The contract was signed in January 2000, and deliveries will start in mid 2001. In Spanish Air Force service the C-295 will take over some of the missions currently assigned to the C-130 Hercules, at a fraction of the cost.The C-295 can carry up to 73 troops, five 88´´x108´´ standard pallets or up to 27 stretchers for medical evacuation. The C-295 has excellent low level flying characteristics for tactical penetration. Maximum payload in excess of 9 Tons and maximum cruise speed is 260 kt (480 km/h).

- Falcon 900

FS5/FS98 Falcon 900 Ejercito del Aire Espanol (Spanish Air Force). These Dassault aircraft fly VIP transoceanic transport for the Spanish Royal Family and government by the 45 Squadron at Torrejon.

- C-130H Hercules

Spain's C-130 fleet are flown by two squadrons both located at Zaragoza, the 311th Transport Squadron operates six C-130Hs and one C-130H-30 while the 312th Refueling Squadron flies five KC-130Hs.

- Boeing 707

The Spanish Airforce has 4 Boeing-707 Transport/Tanker Aircraft.

- MARITIME SURVEILLANCE :

- P-3A/B Orion

The P-3 Orion land-based maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft is operational in the airforces of ten countries. Spain has 7 P-3 Orions in its inventory, these Orions came from Norway.

- HELICOPTERS :

- SA-330/AS-332B Puma/Superpuma

The Puma medium lift helicopter was in production until 1987 featuring many roles including military and civilian. Used in the army as a troop carrier it could seat twelve occupants. As a civilian based helicopter the Puma could seat twenty passengers. A total of 696 Puma's had been sold by the end of manufacture although they are still produced in Romania.

AS 332 Super Puma: Differs from the SA 330 Puma through an improved rotor system, upgraded engines, stretched fuselage, and a modified nose shape.

- Eurocopter EC-120B

Following an invitation for bids open to all competitors, and a comparative assessment of five competing helicopters, the Spanish Defense Minister and Eurocopter signed by end 1999 a contract worth 100 million francs (15 million Euros), which set the terms for the supplying of 15 light single-engine EC 120B Colibri helicopters. The deliveries will begin in July 2000 and be completed by June 2001.With the acquisition of the EC 120B Colibri, the Spanish Air Force will now have at its disposal a lightweight aircraft that is easy to operate, and which also has demonstrative piloting capabilities and an important new technological advancement.

The Spanish Navy's modernization program should produce a smaller, much better-equipped fleet. As part of its personnel reorganization, its strength had been reduced by 10,000 to 47,300 personnel, including marines, as of 1987. Of this number, about 34,000 were conscripts. The first of four 5,802-ton F-100-class guided-missile frigates was scheduled to be down at Ferrol in November for completion in September 2002. The Spanish Navy's second Rotterdam-class dock landing ship, the Castilla, is scheduled to be delivered this June to complete replacement of the old Paul Revere (LPA-248)-class troop transports acquired from the United States 20 years ago. The 1,620-ton Descubierta-class frigate Diana completed conversion as a mine countermeasures support ship late in 2000, with all armament save the 76-mm OTOBreda gun removed and provision to carry four mine countermeasures workshop vans added. The second pair of 550-ton Segura-class mine hunters is due for delivery this year.

   The Spanish amphibious ship Galicia has now been joined by its sister ship Castilla and, together with the carrier Principe de Asturias and the new `Alvaro de Bazan' class frigates, they represent a useful intervention capability for the Spanish Navy.The Principe de Asturias VSTOL aircraft carrier is still the Flagship of the Spanish Navy and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The Santa Maria Class Frigates are the main escorts of the carrier and will soon be joined by the F 100 Frigates. Spanish naval aviation comes to life in November 1954 when the Arma Aerea de la Armada Espanola (Spanish Fleet Air Arm) is established. The Armada will receive six more SH-60B Sea Hawks for the new F 100 Frigates and there are plans to update the EAV-8B Matador to Harrier II Plus standard. Spain is also expected to buy the Firescout UAV for it's F100 Frigates

Ships of the Spanish Navy :

Surface Combatants :

- Principe de Asturias VSTOL aircraft carrier

The Principe de Asturias aircraft carrier has been in service with the Spanish Navy since 1988. The 17,190t ship was built by Izar (formerly E.N. Bazan) and is based at the Rota naval air base. The hull was laid down in 1979 and the ship was launched in 1982. The integration of a Tritan Digital Command and Control System and the installation of a Flag Bridge to meet the requirements of the Spanish Navy delayed the commissioning of the Principe de Asturias until 1988.
The ship supports up to twelve AV-8B Harrier II Plus and Harrier II (being upgraded to Harrier II Plus configuration) aircraft. The carrier also has facilities to support up to twelve helicopters, usually six Sikorsky Sea King SH-3H, four Agusta AB-212 and two Sikorsky SH-3 AEW helicopters.The ship normally supports a maximum of 29 fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft with up to twelve on deck and 13 aircraft in the hangar. The ship has four FABA Meroka Mod 2B close-in weapon systems (CIWS), with twelve-barrelled Oerlikon L120 20mm guns. A Mk 13 Mod 4 eight-cell launcher for the Harpoon anti-ship missile is fitted. The ship's combat data system is the Tritan Digital Command and Control System. The large square antenna at the top of the radar mast is the Raytheon SPS-52C/D 3D air search radar operating at E and F bands. The aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias (R-11) is the flagship of the Spanish Navy and the core of the Combat Group.

- Alvaro de Bazan class destroyers

The F100 is a 5,800t multipurpose frigate being built by the Spanish shipbuilder, Izar (formerly E.N. Bazan). Four ships have been ordered by the Spanish Navy. The first, Alvaro de Bazan (F101), was launched in October 2000 and is to commission in September 2002.All four are due to enter service by 2006.The ship incorporates the AN/SPY-1D Aegis Combat System from Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems.
The main missions of the ship are fleet protection, anti-air warfare, operation as a flag ship for a combat group, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.The ship has two four-celled Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missile systems.The surface-to-air missile system is the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile (ESSM) being developed by an international team led by Raytheon.The medium-range Raytheon Standard Missile SM-2MR Block IIIA provides area defence. Both ESSM and SM-2MR use the Lockheed Martin Mark 41 Vertical Launch System.

- Santa Maria (Perry) class frigates

The Santa Maria Class frigates are a Spanish variant of the U.S. Navy's Perry Class Frigates incorporating a mix of U.S. and European systems. Incorporated in the Santa Maria Class is the MK92 fire control system.The Mk92 is a lightweight, compact family of fire control systems that provides AAW, ASuW and shore bombardment capabilities for naval surface combatants. The system combines integrated radar detection, command and control functions and multiple-channel engagement capability for fast reaction missile and gun operations.
A total of six ships were built of the Santa Maria Class by Izar (formerly E.N. Bazan) in Spain. Armament includes SM-1MR SAM for protection againts airborne threats. Harpoon anti-ship missiles and 1 1 20 mm Meroka CIWS for close in protection.

- Baleares (Knox) class frigates

The Baleares Class Friagtes is a variant of the U.S. Navy Knox (FF-1052) Class. The Main Difference between the Baleares and the US Knox frigates is that the Baleares class replaced the Helicopter hanger with AAW systems. 5 Balaeres Class Frigates were commissioned by Bazan Shipbuilding between 1973 and 1976.
The Ship's radar is a Hughes SPS-52B 3-D. Armament includes 16 SM-1MR Surface to air missiles, ASROC anti-submarine torpedoes and 8 Harpoon anti-submarine missiles.

Submarines :

- Scorpene S-80 class submarines ?

The Scorpene submarine has been jointly developed by DCN of France and Izar (formerly Bazan) of Spain. Construction is under way at the DCN shipyard in Cherbourg and at the Cartagena shipyard of Izar in Spain. Scorpene is equipped with six bow-located 21in torpedo tubes providing salvo launch capability. Positive discharge launching is by an air turbine pump. The submarine's weapons include anti-ship and anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-surface missiles. The planning and design of the Scorpene was directed towards achieving an extremely quiet vessel with a great detection capability and offensive power.

- Galerna (Agosta) class coastal submarines

Spanish version of the French Agosta 90 Class Attack Submarines. The Agosta submarines designed by DCN of France, are currently in service with the French, Spanish and Pakistan navies. The Spanish Galerna Class has different electronics and weapon systems than the French Agosta version. Currently there are 4 Galerna submarines in service with Spanish Navy. The 4 submarines were commissioned between 1983-1984. The submarine has a crew of 54 men.

Amphibious Ships :

- Galicia class amphibious transport docks

As a sensible alternative to trying to develop a totally indigenous design, the Spanish Navy 10 years ago authorized state shipbuilders Empresa Nacional Bazán to start a joint project-definition study with Nevesbu in the Netherlands. Out of that study came a joint LPD design, with the Rotterdam built for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Galicia ordered (in July 1994) for the Spanish Navy. Before the Galicia entered service in 1998, a sister ship, to be named Castilla, was ordered from E.N. Bazán (in 1997). The Galicia, which is built to a highly capable design, can lift more than 600 Marines, 2,500 tons of stores, and a number of main battle tanks. She also can operate up to six utility helicopters and is equipped with extensive medical facilities.
The Castilla was delivered to the Spanish Navy in 2001 , and the Navy hopes to order a third LPD of a somewhat modified design. That ship reportedly will have a through flight deck, presumably to allow her to take the place of the support carrier Principe de Asturias when the latter is in overhaul.

- Hernan Cortes (Newport) class large landing ships

Both ships of type LST Hernán Cortés and Pizarro were acquired by the Spanish Navy to the U.S. Navy in 1994. These ships specialize in the transport of troops, vehicles and material, and are characterized by their curve-slide incline of 34 meters maintained by a crane of porch in the prow that directly allows the disembarkation of the load in a wharf, on the beach or in pontoons that can transport in their bands. As average of disembarkation they take two boats per vehicule/personel LCVP, two boats for personnel LCPL and four pontoons of disembarkation of combat vehicules.

Aviation :

- EAV-8B Bravo/Plus

Fleet defence is handled by 9a Escuadrilla's Harrrier II/II Plus. Twelve AV-8Bs were delivered , of which 9 remain in service today plus 8 Harrier II Plus (AV-8B). The Squadron is in progress in having its AV-8Bs converted to plus standard.
The Boeing Company and the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command have signed a contract that begins the remanufacturing program for Spain's EAV-8B day-attack Harriers.The contract calls for the remanufacture of two Harriers with an option for an additional seven currently in the Spanish navy's fleet. This effort will standardize the fleet to a common Harrier II Plus configuration.The Harrier II Plus is equipped with a multi-mode radar and has beyond-visual-range missile capability.
During the remanufacture process, the aircraft will be disassembled in Spain, upgraded to the required configuration using reusable components, and then returned to Boeing for installation on a new fuselage. A new Rolls-Royce -408 engine, an APG-65 radar and a forward-looking infrared radar also will be installed. The Spanish navy has accumulated more than 56,270 flight hours in the Harrier. The two initial remanufactured Harrier II Plus aircraft are scheduled for completion in July 2003.

- SH-60B LAMPS Mk III Seahawk

All six SH-60Bs that arrived in Rota on 5 December 1988 remain in service with 10a Escuadrilla.
The Spanish Navy is acquiring six new Sikorsky SH-60B LAMPS Mk III Seahawk helicopters, the first of which was delivered in December 2001. Six existing Seahawk helicopters are to be upgraded to LAMPS Mk III standard. The helicopters will be equipped with a FLIR and Hellfire laser-guided air-to-surface missiles and will be deployed on the F100 and Santa Maria Class frigates.

The Foreign Military Sale was announced by the U.S. Defense Department. Under the FMS, the U.S. Navy will buy the aircraft for the Spanish Navy. The $77.4 million firm-fixed-price contract is for the production of six SH-60B Block I airframes, six Block I upgrade kits, six armed helicopter kits and two spare left-hand extended pylon wings.

- SH-3D/G Sea King HS9

The 5a Escuadrilla has operated the SH-3D Sea King since being officially commissioned on 29 June 1966. Deliveries of SH-3Ds comprised of three being received during 1966, three in 1967, two in 1972, four in 1974 and six in 1981. Six have been lost in accidents , and three underwent conversion to AEW standard with the Thorn-EMI Searchwater Radar.
The ASW fleet was upgraded to SH-3D standards starting in the late 1980s. The main mission of 5a Escuadrilla SH-3Hs is anti-submarine warfare and SAR, but they can also function as troop transports with the ASW gear removed.

- AB 212ASW

By Mid-1998 the 3a Escuadrilla had 10 AB 212s on strength. The tasking assignments are varied, the most important being support for the Marines, logistic transport, SAR, Light Attack, electronic warfare and casualty evacuation. The Principe de Asturias VSTOL aircraft carrier airwing usually includes 4 AB 212 ASW

Sources :

Spanish MOD

Naval Technology

Boeing

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