Spain does not want F-35. Madrid will choose between Eurofighter and the 6th generation fighter

The Spanish government resigns from the purchase of American F-35 aircraft and will choose between European Eurofighter fighters and the new generation air combat system (FCAS)-said the Spanish agency Europa Press on Wednesday, which confirmed earlier media reports in the defense ministry.

Earlier on Wednesday, El Pais reported, citing sources in the government, that preliminary contacts on the possible purchase of American fighters were suspended.

In the budget for 2023 EUR 6.25 billion is planned for the purchase of new fighters. In April this year. The government announced the allocation of an additional over EUR 10 billion for defense to reach 2 % this year. GDP expenditure for this purpose. However, as “El Pais” reminded, 85 percent These funds are to be invested in Europe.

Instead of the F-35, Spain is to choose European alternatives, such as produced by Airbus, Bae Systems and Leonardo, Eurofighter fighter or the new generation FCAS air combat system, developed by Dassault Aviation, Airbus and Indra Sistemas; It is part of the sixth generation fighters (NGF).

The Spanish government has been criticized by the US for months, including President Donald Trump, for low defense expenses.

At the NATO summit in Hague, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his country would not spend 5 percent. GDP for defense, although it has not blocked a new, higher level of expenditure in the alliance. Sanchez assured that to achieve NATO's goals, expenses of 2.1 percent will be sufficient. GDP.

After concluding with the European Union, at the end of July, the contract regarding customs duties announced that the EU had committed to military purchases in the US, although on Monday EU sources emphasized that these purchases were not part of the agreement.

From Madrid Marcin Furdyna (PAP)

MRF/ AKL/