Defense & Military
Spain Launches ITS-C Program with Airbus and Turkish Aerospace
Spain’s ITS-C program led by Airbus introduces the SAETA II trainer with 60% Spanish industry participation and phased delivery by 2035.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus, supplemented by industry research.
Spain Unveils Industrial Programme for New SAETA II Combat Training System
On April 28, 2026, an Airbus-led consortium of Spanish aerospace and defense companies officially presented the industrial framework for the Spanish Air and Space Force’s new Integrated Combat Training System (ITS-C). According to an official press release from Airbus, the ambitious programme is designed to replace Spain’s aging fleet of Northrop F-5M aircraft, ensuring a modernized training pipeline for the next generation of fighter pilots.
The ITS-C programme is anchored by a co-development agreement between Airbus, acting as the prime contractor, and Turkish Aerospace (TA). The initiative will introduce a customized Spanish variant of TA’s HÜRJET advanced training aircraft, officially designated as the SAETA II. Industry research indicates that the December 2025 contract underpinning this programme is valued between €2.4 billion and €2.6 billion, marking a historic procurement milestone for both Spain and Turkey.
A central pillar of the agreement is the commitment to domestic industry. The Airbus press release confirms that the programme mandates a 60% participation rate from Spanish national industry. This localized approach aims to secure technological sovereignty, allowing Spain to independently manage the sustainment, maintenance, and future evolution of the 30-aircraft fleet.
The SAETA II and Phased Implementation
A Historic Procurement and Infrastructure Overhaul
The selection of the HÜRJET platform follows a rigorous evaluation process. According to defense industry reports, Spain evaluated a prototype of the Turkish-built supersonic advanced jet trainer in July 2024 at Torrejón Air Base. The subsequent December 2025 contract represents Turkey’s largest-ever single aircraft export deal and its first sale of a complete aircraft system to a NATO and European Union member state.
Beyond the aircraft themselves, the ITS-C programme encompasses a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. Airbus announced it will lead the redesign of the Fighter and Strike School Training Centre at the Talavera la Real Air Base in Extremadura, Spain. This modernized facility will house an Aircraft Conversion Centre and state-of-the-art synthetic training simulators developed in collaboration with Spanish defense technology firm Indra.
Two-Phase Rollout Timeline
The Airbus press release outlines a two-phase implementation strategy designed to seamlessly transition the Spanish Air and Space Force to the new system:
- Phase 1 (2028–2030): The programme will commence with the delivery of an initial batch of 21 aircraft in their baseline configuration. Airbus will utilize one of these early jets as a prototype to integrate next-generation, Spanish-specific avionics and mission equipment. Concurrently, the ground-based training system is scheduled to become operational during the 2029–2030 academic year.
- Phase 2 (2031–2035): During this phase, the initial 21 aircraft, alongside the remaining nine jets on order, will undergo full conversion to the finalized SAETA II standard. Simulators will be updated to match this configuration, with all deliveries and integrations slated for completion by 2035.
Strategic Autonomy and Domestic Integration
Empowering the Spanish Defense Sector
By localizing 60% of the programme’s value, Spain is deliberately insulating its pilot training ecosystem from critical foreign dependencies. While Turkish Aerospace provides the baseline HÜRJET platform, Spanish industry will be responsible for integrating the aircraft’s “brain.”
According to Airbus, several key national technology firms have been tapped for critical systems integration. GMV will provide the inertial/GPS navigation and mission computers, while Sener is tasked with the DataLink systems. Aertec will supply remote interface units, Grupo Oesía will handle audio management, and Orbital will integrate VMDR mission recorders. Indra will supply the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems alongside its work on the ground simulators.
Company and government officials emphasized the strategic importance of this domestic focus during the April 28 presentation in Getafe.
“As a result of this national programme, Spain achieves three strategic milestones: we ensure technology transfer in key areas, we obtain a deep-reaching industrial return, and, above all, we provide the programme with the strategic sovereignty and independence necessary to manage the sustainment and any future evolution of the system.”
“[The ITS-C] is a project that mobilises our industry, generates knowledge, employment, and opportunities throughout the entire value chain… it strengthens our strategic autonomy by allowing us to design, integrate, and evolve our own capabilities, reducing critical dependencies.”
Industry research also highlights the perspective of Turkish officials. Speaking on the December 2025 contract signing, Turkey’s Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün noted the comprehensive nature of the agreement.
“This is a high-value-added, multi-dimensional defense export rather than a conventional platform sale.”
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Spain’s selection of a Turkish-designed platform over traditional Western or European trainers, such as the Boeing T-7 Red Hawk or the Leonardo M-346, signals a notable shift in the European defense procurement landscape. It demonstrates that emerging aerospace suppliers can successfully compete for top-tier NATO contracts by offering highly flexible, co-development frameworks rather than rigid, off-the-shelf products.
Furthermore, the ITS-C programme exemplifies the modern “ecosystem” approach to military procurement. Spain is not merely purchasing 30 airframes; it is investing in a holistic training architecture. By securing domestic rights to the conversion centers, synthetic ground-based simulators, and long-term maintenance, the Spanish Air and Space Force is ensuring its pilots are prepared for the digital battlefield of 4.5- and 5th-generation fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon, without being tethered to external supply chain bottlenecks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SAETA II?
The SAETA II is the customized Spanish variant of the Turkish Aerospace HÜRJET. It is a supersonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft that will serve as the backbone of Spain’s new Integrated Combat Training System (ITS-C). The name pays homage to the Hispano HA-200 Saeta, Spain’s first indigenous jet trainer.
When will the new aircraft enter service?
According to the Airbus press release, the initial phase begins in 2028 with the delivery of the first batch of aircraft. The ground-based training system is expected to be operational by the 2029–2030 academic year, with the fully converted SAETA II fleet delivered between 2031 and 2035.
Why is Airbus involved if the aircraft is Turkish?
Airbus Defence and Space is acting as the prime contractor and national coordinator for Spain. While Turkish Aerospace manufactures the baseline HÜRJET, Airbus is leading the integration of Spanish-specific avionics, mission equipment, and ground-based training infrastructure to ensure the system meets the exact requirements of the Spanish Air and Space Force.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Gripen F Completes Inaugural Flight in Linköping Sweden
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force completed the first flight of the Gripen F two-seat fighter on August 28, 2026.
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force have successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter, initiating the airborne test campaign for the jointly developed aircraft.
The aircraft took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, on August 28, 2026. In a press release issued today, the manufacturer confirmed the milestone advances a comprehensive technology transfer program designed to deliver both pilot training and full operational combat capabilities.
Inaugural flight and test campaign
The flight commenced at 09:40 local time and lasted 40 minutes. Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Test Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos operated the aircraft.
Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the milestone.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” Tossman said.
The Gripen F test program will now transition into a progressive envelope expansion phase. Saab stated that upcoming flights will clear performance limits, including speed, altitude, G-load, and angle of attack, while evaluating the tactical systems of the independent rear cockpit.
Design specifications and Brazilian procurement
The Gripen F incorporates specific design modifications to accommodate a second crew member. According to Air Data News, the two-seat variant measures 15.9 meters in length, compared to the 15.2-meter single-seat Gripen E, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. To make room for the rear cockpit, engineers omitted the internal 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon found on the single-seat model. Despite this change, the aircraft retains full operational combat capability and utilizes the same General Electric F414G engine.
The development of the Gripen F is heavily tied to Brazilian defense procurement. Aviation Week reports that the Brazilian Air Force ordered eight Gripen F aircraft as part of a broader 36-aircraft contract signed in 2014. Saab officially presented the first Gripen F during a rollout ceremony in Linköping on June 2, 2026. The manufacturer noted that more than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians, and pilots have participated in training and development activities for the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful first flight of the Gripen F as a critical validation of the technology transfer agreement between Saab and its Brazilian partners, including Embraer. The integration of a fully combat-capable rear cockpit ensures the Brazilian Air Force can conduct advanced training while maintaining frontline fleet readiness. Delivering the two-seat variant on schedule strengthens Saab’s position in future export campaigns where dual-role trainer and combat aircraft are required.
Sources: Saab
Photo Credit: Saab
Defense & Military
Neura Defense Systems Rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace
Neura Defense Systems rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace to develop counter-UAS tech targeting RF-silent drone swarms.
Saint Petersburg, Florida-based Neura Defense Systems, Inc. announced on August 26, 2026, that it has rebranded as Volantyx Aerospace, Inc. to reflect its expansion from a single-product defense developer into a broader aerospace technology platform.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the company stated the original Neura Defense Systems name will be retained for its defense division and current operating business. The corporate restructuring aligns with the company’s focus on developing a distributed edge-intelligence architecture designed to counter autonomous, radio-frequency-silent drone swarms.
Addressing the RF-silent swarm-drone gap
Volantyx Aerospace is targeting a specific vulnerability in current counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) defense networks. Traditional detection and mitigation rely heavily on radio frequency (RF) signals, which are ineffective against pre-programmed or autonomous aircraft that do not emit such signals.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Talari explained the limitations of legacy systems in the company’s announcement, noting that the new architecture is built on the assumption that any single sensor can be degraded or absent.
An RF sensor cannot detect a signal that is not there, and a jammer cannot sever a control link that does not exist. We start from the aircraft’s physical signature instead — radar return, sound, heat, visual — and combine those into one track and one decision picture for the operator.
The company has filed 13 United States provisional patent applications covering multi-modal sensor fusion, distributed networking, cognitive command, and the detection of non-emitting aircraft. The resulting intelligence layer is designed to make decisions at the edge without cloud dependency while preserving a record of system observations.
Development timeline and market positioning
The rebranding occurs as federal investment in counter-UAS technologies accelerates. Volantyx Aerospace remains in the development stage, with its core capabilities currently undergoing hardware integration and field evaluation following initial tests in a controlled environment.
The company clarified in its release that it does not yet claim a fielded deployment, operational performance metrics, or a contract award. Volantyx Aerospace plans to begin manufacturing or supplying effectors in early 2027. The corporate name change is a structural adjustment for the Delaware corporation and does not alter existing agreements, obligations, or ownership.
AirPro News analysis
The transition from Neura Defense Systems to Volantyx Aerospace signals a strategic pivot to capture dual-use commercial and defense markets. As autonomous UAS capabilities proliferate, the reliance on RF jamming and detection is becoming a recognized vulnerability in airspace security. By focusing on multi-modal physical signatures, we view Volantyx’s approach as a necessary evolution in counter-UAS architecture. The company’s explicit acknowledgment that it lacks fielded deployments or contract awards underscores the significant gap between conceptual architecture and operational validation. The early 2027 target for effector manufacturing will be a critical milestone to monitor as the company attempts to transition from a development-stage startup to an active aerospace supplier.
Photo Credit: Neura Defense Systems, Inc.
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Offers Peru $1.8B F-16 Block 70 Offset Package
Lockheed Martin proposes a $1.8B industrial package for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 program, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion.
Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 billion industrial and social collaboration package for Peru, designed to integrate local firms into the global aerospace supply chain as part of the country’s F-16 Block 70 procurement program.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the offset proposal follows the Peruvian government’s April 2026 decision to acquire an initial batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The comprehensive package aims to position Peru as a regional hub for advanced unmanned systems and aerospace services.
Expanding Peru’s aerospace industrial base
The proposed industrial agreement focuses heavily on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing. Key components include the domestic assembly of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for the Latin American market, the establishment of joint research hubs, and the creation of a UAS Technical Institute. The package also outlines plans to expand Peru’s high-tech maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.
“As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership,” said Tara Lause, Vice President of Business Development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Lause added that the procurement creates enduring alliances and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and other partner nations.
Fleet modernization and electronic warfare capabilities
Peru is currently working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s. The F-16 Block 70 was selected over competing bids from Saab and Dassault. To equip the new fleet, the government of Peru selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite, a decision announced on August 17, 2026. The Viper Shield system provides advanced radar warning and jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the F-16 is currently operated by 29 countries, with a global fleet of 2,800 aircraft. Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated that the selection highlights the aircraft’s operational performance and ability to meet pressing defense requirements.
AirPro News analysis
The announcement of a $1.8 billion industrial offset package is a strategic move by Lockheed Martin to solidify the F-16 Block 70 sale amid a complex political environment in Lima. While the Peruvian government selected the aircraft in April 2026, regional defense reporting indicates that the procurement process has encountered delays linked to ministerial resignations and defense budget debates. By offering substantial domestic manufacturing opportunities, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion, Lockheed Martin is providing Peruvian leadership with a strong economic justification to finalize the state-to-state contract. We view this comprehensive technology transfer as a critical lever in moving the procurement from selection to a finalized, funded agreement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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