Spain shelves F-35B plans

[Indus Falcon]

Spain shelves F-35B plans, finds a way to extend its Harrier Fleet.

May 28/14: Spain.Spain had to extend its own arrangements for AV-8B support, after it became clear that the F-35B was an unaffordable option for a country still struggling with a fiscal crisis and depression-level unemployment.

The Spanish Armada reportedly planned to buy 15-20 F-35Bs as of 2010, but expected costs of well over EUR 100 million have shelved those plans indefinitely. The last multi-year budget plan reportedly involved a financial plan that would have bought a few F-35Bs for initial training etc., but it was removed from the budget due to the cost involved.

The HISS Harrier Support Program

 

[Luftwaffe]

SpanishAF is in no hurry with with 7 Squadrons combined F/A-18C/D and Typhoons they have a balanced Fleet with-in NATO and in next 6-8 Years SPAF would be equipped with 4 more Typhoon squadrons. Some F/A-18s and Harriers can take care of Navy.

 

[Americandissident]

Good decision on their part. Our goverment needs to follow suit as we're in the same boat financially...

 

[Indus Falcon]

Good decision on their part. Our goverment needs to follow suit as we're in the same boat financially...

The F16 Block 61, and the F22, cover every aspect of air warfare possible. Then where does the F35 fit in? Maybe someone could shed some more light on this?

 

[Oldman1]

The F16 Block 61, and the F22, cover every aspect of air warfare possible. Then where does the F35 fit in? Maybe someone could shed some more light on this?

Its stealthy, has advanced sensors, and replaces old fighters. Has VTOL capability that most fighters cannot do except for the Harriers, but they are getting old. Besides its engine is powerful enough to take off without needing a ramp on a carrier which is what Spain wanted. But like they said its expensive.

 

[Indus Falcon]

Its stealthy, has advanced sensors, and replaces old fighters. Has VTOL capability that most fighters cannot do except for the Harriers, but they are getting old. Besides its engine is powerful enough to take off without needing a ramp on a carrier which is what Spain wanted. But like they said its expensive.

The harrier replacement makes sense. The rest I'm not so sure. Can you post specs of the engines of the 3 different variants?

 

[Oldman1]

The harrier replacement makes sense. The rest I'm not so sure. Can you post specs of the engines of the 3 different variants?

They all use the same engine.
Pratt & Whitney F135 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[sancho]

SpanishAF is in no hurry with with 7 Squadrons combined F/A-18C/D and Typhoons they have a balanced Fleet with-in NATO and in next 6-8 Years SPAF would be equipped with 4 more Typhoon squadrons. Some F/A-18s and Harriers can take care of Navy.

Spain suffered a lot from the financial and banking crisis, they simply don't have the money for expensive toys, which is why they scrapped their older carrier and remain only with the LHD, from which the F18s can't be operated. Not buying F35B means, the Harriers might not get a replacement and the LHD will be used with helicopters only, just like the Brits plan it with one of their carriers and that's also the likely scenario for the Italian carriers.
Spain btw axed the Eurofighter T3B orders, is trying to sell some of their EFs 2nd hand, just like divert NH90 and A400 orders directly to foreign countries, shows how desperate they are.