Spanish Air and Space Force Extends Fighter Life, Adapts Sustainment

Spain’s government has indicated that the Spanish Air and Space Force’s F-18 fleet could remain in service until 2040, according to a written parliamentary reply dated February 23, 2026. The government plans to adapt the aircraft’s sustainment system to address obsolescence and maintain operability and safety. Eurofighter will cover part of the gap in the F-18 fleet’s retirement by 2030. The decision does not announce a new fighter acquisition program, leaving the FCAS program as the main long-term option, which remains stalled due to a dispute between Dassault and Airbus.