This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has officially selected Airbus Defence and Space and Indra to lead the definition phase for a new fleet of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft. Announced on December 30, 2025, this strategic agreement tasks the two industrial heavyweights, with designing a “national solution” to restore and enhance Spain’s electronic intelligence capabilities.

According to the official press release, the contract covers an 18-month conceptual definition study. The primary objective is to define a solution for three aircraft that will eventually replace Spain’s retired strategic intelligence assets. This initiative is part of a broader push for European “Strategic Autonomy,” ensuring that critical defense technologies remain under national and continental control.

The collaboration divides responsibilities clearly: Airbus will focus on the aircraft platform and integration, while Indra will lead the development of the advanced mission systems and sensors. This partnership aims to secure high-tech industrial workload for Spanish facilities, specifically in Getafe and Madrid, while providing the Spanish Air and Space Force with a sovereign capability to detect and classify electronic threats.

Defining a Sovereign SIGINT Solution

The core of this agreement is the development of a sovereign Signals Intelligence capability. Since the retirement of the Boeing 707 “Santiago” fleet, Spain has lacked a dedicated strategic platform for long-range electronic warfare and intelligence gathering. The new program aims to fill this gap with a modern, integrated solution.

Roles and Industrial Workshare

Under the terms of the agreement, the workshare leverages the specific strengths of both companies:

• Airbus Defence and Space: As the platform leader, Airbus is responsible for selecting the most suitable aircraft to meet the operational requirements of the Spanish Armed Forces. The company will also handle the integration of systems and the eventual industrialization of the solution at its Getafe facilities.
• Indra: As the mission systems leader, Indra will define the SIGINT payload. This includes the complex suite of sensors required for Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT).

“The study will analyze and define the most suitable platform and signals intelligence equipment to provide a national solution… to detect, track, classify, and identify targets of interest to the Spanish Armed Forces.”

— Airbus Press Release

Advanced Sensor Technology

Indra’s role is critical in ensuring the aircraft can operate in modern contested environments. The mission system must be capable of processing vast amounts of data to identify radar and communication emissions. Industry observers note that Indra is likely to leverage technology from its “Pegaso” family of electronic defense systems, ensuring the new fleet remains interoperable with other NATO and European assets.

Strategic Context and Modernization

This announcement arrives amidst a significant modernization drive for the Spanish Air and Space Force. By mandating a “national solution,” the Ministry of Defence is prioritizing industrial sovereignty, reducing reliance on non-European suppliers for sensitive intelligence data collection.

Broader Fleet Updates

The SIGINT study is one component of a larger overhaul of Spanish military aviation confirmed in late 2025. Alongside the intelligence aircraft, Spain is moving forward with the acquisition of Turkish Aerospace Hürjet trainers to replace aging F-5s and expanding its transport capabilities with additional Airbus C295 aircraft. This coordinated effort ensures that the Spanish aerospace industry remains deeply involved in the lifecycle of its defense assets.

AirPro News Analysis

While the press release does not specify which aircraft airframe will be selected, the requirement for a strategic platform capable of housing complex consoles and offering long endurance narrows the field.

We believe the Airbus A320neo family is a strong contender. Airbus has previously explored “Modular Multi-Mission Aircraft” (M3A) concepts based on the A320, which would offer the cabin volume necessary for extensive SIGINT workstations and crew rest areas during long missions. Furthermore, utilizing an Airbus airframe would maximize the industrial return for the Getafe facility.

Alternatively, a high-end business jet (such as a Dassault Falcon 10X or similar) could offer lower operating costs and higher altitude performance. However, given the emphasis on a “national solution” and Airbus’s leadership in the platform definition, a commercial derivative based on an Airbus jetliner appears to be the most politically and industrially consistent choice.

Regardless of the airframe selected, this 18-month study marks a critical step in restoring Spain’s independent strategic eyes and ears in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and additional background data provided in the source material.

U.S. Approves $1.8 Billion Sale of P-8A Poseidon Aircraft to Denmark

The U.S. State Department has approved a significant Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Denmark for the acquisition of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. According to an official announcement released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on December 29, 2025, the potential deal is valued at approximately $1.8 billion.

This approval marks a pivotal moment for Danish defense capabilities, specifically targeting the security of the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. The package includes up to three Boeing P-8A aircraft, along with a comprehensive suite of advanced sensors, communications systems, and logistical support. The DSCA delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on the same day.

Details of the $1.8 Billion Package

The proposed sale encompasses more than just the airframes. According to the DSCA press release, the Government of Denmark has requested a total package designed to deliver a fully operational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. The prime contractor for this acquisition will be The Boeing Company, based in Arlington, Virginia.

Key components of the sale include:

• Aircraft: Three (3) P-8A Poseidon Multi-Mission Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Military-Aircraft.
• Propulsion: Six (6) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS).
• Sensors and Defense: AN/APY-10 Radar-Systems, AN/AAQ-24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), and MX-20HD electro-optical/infrared systems.
• Navigation: LN-251 Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
• Support: Spare parts, engine accessories, training, and engineering technical assistance.

“The proposed sale will enhance Denmark’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations.”

— Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

Strategic Context: Securing the “Arctic Gap”

This acquisition occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension in the High North. Denmark is responsible for the defense of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, territories that sit directly on the strategic Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap. This naval “choke point
Photo Credit: US Navy

Spain Selects Turkish Hürjet in Historic €2.6 Billion Deal

In a landmark development for the European defense sector, Spain has officially signed an agreement to acquire 30 Hürjet advanced jet trainers from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). According to reporting by Turkish Minute, the deal is valued at approximately €2.6 billion ($3 billion) and represents a significant milestone as Turkey’s first major export of a manned Military-Aircraft to a NATO and European Union member nation.

The agreement, finalized on December 30, 2025, is designed to modernize the Spanish Air and Space Force’s pilot training capabilities. As noted in the reporting, the Hürjet fleet will replace Spain’s aging Northrop F-5M Freedom Fighters, which are approaching the end of their operational service life. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028 and continue through 2036, ensuring a seamless transition for Spanish pilot instruction.

Deal Structure and Industrial Partnership

The contract encompasses more than just the airframes. According to details surrounding the agreement, the €2.6 billion valuation includes full mission simulators, ground-based Training systems, and long-term maintenance and operational support. A critical component of the acquisition is the integration of the Spanish aerospace industry.

Airbus Defence and Space will serve as the program coordinator within Spain. This collaboration aims to ensure the “Spanishization” of the aircraft, integrating local avionics, communications, and software systems. Approximately 15 Spanish companies, including Indra and GMV, are expected to participate, securing technological sovereignty and economic returns for Spain.

Technical Specifications

The Hürjet is a single-engine, tandem-seat supersonic trainer designed to prepare pilots for fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Key specifications cited in technical reports include:

• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.4
• Engine: General Electric F404-GE-102
• Service Ceiling: 45,000 feet
• Payload Capacity: Approximately 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs)

The aircraft features a digital glass cockpit compatible with modern Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD), making it suitable for both advanced training and light combat roles.

Strategic Implications and Official Reactions

This procurement marks a shift in traditional European defense spending, where NATO members have historically favored US or legacy European platforms. The selection of the Hürjet over competitors such as the Italian M-346 or the Boeing/Saab T-7A Red Hawk highlights the growing competitiveness of Turkey’s defense sector.

Haluk Görgün, Head of the Turkish Defense Industries Agency, emphasized the magnitude of the agreement in a public statement regarding the export success:

“The fact that a jet trainer designed and produced with national capabilities will enter the inventory of a European and NATO member country clearly demonstrates the level our defense industry has reached.”

AirPro News Analysis

The Rise of Non-Traditional Suppliers in NATO
We observe that Spain’s decision to procure the Hürjet validates the platform’s compliance with strict NATO interoperability standards. This deal suggests a broadening of the European defense market, where cost-effectiveness and industrial participation, such as the “Spanishization” program coordinated by Airbus, are becoming as critical as raw performance. By securing a launch customer within the EU, TAI has effectively opened the door for further exports to other nations seeking to replace Cold War-era trainers like the F-5 or Alpha Jet without incurring the high costs associated with exclusively US-made platforms.

Furthermore, the aggressive 2028 delivery timeline indicates Spain’s urgent need to bridge the capability gap left by the retiring F-5M fleet. The success of this program will likely hinge on TAI’s ability to meet these tight production schedules while managing the complex integration of Spanish avionics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the deal?
The contract is valued at approximately €2.6 billion ($3 billion).

When will the aircraft be delivered?
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and conclude in 2036.

What aircraft is the Hürjet replacing?
The Hürjet will replace the Spanish Air and Space Force’s aging fleet of Northrop F-5M Freedom Fighters.

Who are the key industrial partners?
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is the manufacturer, while Airbus Defence and Space will coordinate industrial participation in Spain.

Sources

• Turkish Minute