Airbus Defence & Space has presented the first Eurofighter Tranche 4 produced for the Spanish Air and Space Force, marking a new stage in the Halcón I program and in the modernization of the country’s air defense.
The aircraft is the first of a batch of 20 fighter jets ordered by Spain under the Halcón I program. The announcement was made by Airbus on its X page, highlighting that the new Eurofighter is already in an advanced stage of preparation ahead of upcoming tests. According to the manufacturer, the unveiled fighter is ready for engine start-up and its first flight, a stage that precedes the first deliveries scheduled for 2026.
All Eurofighters destined for Spain are assembled and tested at Airbus’ facilities in Getafe, near Madrid. The process is considered strategic for the Spanish aerospace industry, as it keeps an important part of the aircraft production, integration and validation in the country.
The initial batch includes 16 single-seat and 4 twin-seat fighters, ordered in 2021. They were planned to replace the F/A-18A+ Hornets of Ala 46, a unit based at Gando Air Base in the Canary Islands.
The arrival of the new Eurofighters is expected to strengthen the air defense of the archipelago, a region of major strategic importance due to its location in the eastern Atlantic and its proximity to relevant maritime and air routes.
In November 2024, Spain expanded the program with an order for 25 additional aircraft under Halcón II. Together, the two contracts provide for 45 new Eurofighters for the country. In addition to these orders, the Spanish Air and Space Force already operates 70 Eurofighter jets in Tranche 1, Tranche 2 and Tranche 3A versions.
What changes in the Eurofighter Tranche 4
The main evolution of the Eurofighter Tranche 4 compared with previous versions is the adoption of the ECRS Mk 1 AESA radar, developed by Hensoldt. This type of radar offers superior performance compared with traditional mechanically scanned systems, with greater detection, tracking and target selection capability.
AESA technology allows multiple targets to be tracked with greater precision and improves resistance to electronic interference. This gain is especially relevant in complex scenarios, such as detecting low-radar-signature aircraft or objects flying at very low altitudes, including over the sea.
The Tranche 4 is also expected to receive advanced weapons systems, with the capability to operate Brimstone III air-to-surface missiles and fully integrated long-range Meteor missiles. With this, Spain aims to expand the operational flexibility of its fleet and keep the Eurofighter as one of Europe’s main air combat platforms.
Source and images: Airbus Defence & Space. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
