The first Eurofighter built under Spain’s Halcon I program has completed its initial assembly at the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Getafe, Madrid, according to a company statement. The aircraft, which rolled out of the production line on June 15, 2026, is now undergoing final pre-flight checks ahead of its first engine run, scheduled for late July. Airbus confirmed the milestone as part of the program’s broader effort to modernize Spain’s aerial defense capabilities, though the exact timeline for operational deployment remains unspecified.
The Halcon I program, officially launched in 2023, aims to produce 80 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for the Spanish Air Force, with the first batch expected to enter service by 2029. The project represents a significant shift in Spain’s defense procurement strategy, as it marks the country’s first major investment in the Eurofighter platform, which has long been a cornerstone of German, Italian, and British air forces. Airbus Defence and Space, which leads the program, emphasized that the Getafe facility will serve as a key hub for maintenance and upgrades, positioning Spain as a central node in the Eurofighter’s European supply chain.
Spain’s Ministry of Defense has not yet provided detailed comments on the rollout, but officials have previously highlighted the strategic importance of the program in enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to regional security challenges. The Eurofighter’s advanced sensor suite and multirole capabilities are intended to bolster Spain’s ability to conduct air superiority missions, surveillance operations, and joint exercises with NATO allies. Analysts note that the program also aligns with broader European defense integration efforts, including the Franco-German-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative.
The rollout follows a series of delays and budgetary adjustments in the Halcon I program, which initially faced scrutiny over cost overruns and technical complexities. Airbus has attributed the delays to the need for localized production components, a requirement set by the Spanish government to stimulate domestic aerospace industry growth. The company stated that the Getafe facility has already secured partnerships with over 50 Spanish subcontractors, a move aimed at fostering long-term industrial collaboration.
While the maiden flight of the first Halcon I aircraft is anticipated to occur by early 2027, the program’s full operational readiness hinges on the completion of a parallel upgrade initiative for Spain’s existing Eurofighter fleet. This phase, managed by the Spanish Air Force in coordination with Airbus, involves integrating next-generation radar systems and data-link technologies. The first engine run of the newly assembled aircraft is expected to provide critical performance data, which will inform subsequent testing and certification processes.
