Spanish Air and Space Force

The Spanish Air and Space Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio) is a modern and balanced force structured to guarantee Spain's sovereignty, defend its territorial integrity, and contribute to international security, primarily within the NATO framework. Its command structure is centralized under the Air Force Headquarters in Madrid, with main operational branches including the Combat Air Command (MACOM), General Air Command (MAGEN), and the geographically vital Canary Islands Air Command (MACAN). Following a renaming in 2022, the force officially integrated the space domain into its responsibilities, reflecting the growing strategic importance of this area.

The strategic doctrine of the Spanish Air and Space Force is aligned with Spain's national defense policy and NATO's collective defense principles. Its primary mandate is the control of national airspace. The doctrine emphasizes joint operations with the army and navy, highlighting capabilities in air defense, strategic attack, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and air mobility. It acknowledges the evolving security landscape by integrating cyber and space operations as critical components of modern warfare. This forward-looking approach is evident in its interest in developing network-enabled capabilities and a Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

Spain actively participates in multinational operations and exercises. The Air and Space Force is a regular contributor to NATO's Air Policing missions, having deployed its fighters to reinforce the Alliance's eastern flank in Romania and the Baltic states. For instance, Spanish jets were scrambled in February 2025 in response to a drone attack near the Ukrainian town of Reni, highlighting their operational readiness. The force also engages in high-intensity joint exercises like 'Eagle Eye' to enhance coordination with the army and navy in national air defense scenarios and 'Steadfast Dart' to improve interoperability with NATO special operations units.

A significant modernization effort is underway to replace aging platforms and enhance capabilities. A key program, "Halcon II," involves the acquisition of 25 new Eurofighter Typhoon jets to supplant the older F-18 Hornet fleet, with deliveries starting in 2030. This is complemented by the procurement of advanced weaponry such as AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. To bolster its maritime and ISR capabilities, Spain is acquiring Airbus C-295 aircraft in both maritime patrol and surveillance configurations, along with the indigenously developed SIRTAP high-performance remotely piloted aircraft system. Ground-based air defense is also being upgraded through the modernization of existing NASAMS systems and the acquisition of new units.