HIBAPRESS – Shafiq Anuri
A Spanish report highlighted the decision of the Ministry of Defense, taken last August, to abandon the plan to purchase American F-35 fighter jets, preferring to seek European alternatives.
The press report, published by the "Independent" newspaper, stated that the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, clarified that the final decision has not yet been made, but she indicated that these aircraft are not a "priority" for Spain at the present time.
The "Independent" newspaper mentioned that the Spanish Navy's air fleet currently relies on "Harrier II" aircraft, which operate from the aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I without the need for launchers, and secure air defense, ground attacks, and fleet support.
The same source continued that with the abandonment of the "F-35", the only option remains to extend the lifespan of the "Harrier" aircraft until 2030, with the resulting operational risks and limited industrial support, noting that the "F-35B" is the only option capable of taking off from the Spanish aircraft carrier, thanks to the vertical takeoff technology "VTOL", which is an expensive and complex technology that is only available in this aircraft and the old "Harrier" aircraft.
This Spanish decision comes at a time when Morocco is heading towards acquiring American F-35 fighter jets to enhance its air capabilities, a step expected to lead to a change in the balance of air power in the region, as the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its military arsenal with the latest advanced fighter jets.
Experts point out that the absence of the "F-35" will create a gap in the capabilities of the Spanish Navy, especially in the areas of air surveillance, air superiority, and precision strikes from the sea, and will also affect the ability to cooperate with allies who rely on the F-35B, which increases costs and limits operational efficiency.
The Spanish Navy is studying, according to the "Independent", several options to compensate for this gap, including extending the lifespan of "Harrier" aircraft, relying on helicopters and drones, or developing a new traditional aircraft carrier similar to the French carrier "Charles de Gaulle", but this option is considered expensive and long-term.
