Spain refuses to purchase American F-35 fighter jets in favor of Eurofighter and the European FCAS system

 Spain has officially abandoned plans to purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets and will now focus on choosing between the European Eurofighter and the promising Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a representative of the country's Ministry of Defense said. This decision was the result of Madrid's strategy of prioritizing investments in the European defense industry, which makes the purchase of American aircraft economically and politically impractical.

In the 2023 budget, the Spanish government allocated about 6.25 billion euros for the purchase of new fighter jets, but in 2025 it increased defense spending and at the same time decided to allocate most of the funds (about 85% of the additional budget) to European-made projects. This means that the purchase of F-35s created by Lockheed Martin is now impossible. According to representatives of the ministry, preference will be given to either the existing Eurofighter, manufactured by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, or the multifunctional FCAS system, developed jointly by France, Germany and Spain, which is due to enter service by 2040.

The abandonment of the F-35 will affect the plans of the Spanish Air Force and Navy: the Eurofighter will be used to replace the aging fleet of fighter jets, and FCAS is seen as a long-term next-generation solution. At the same time, the Spanish navy has a problem replacing the Harrier AV-8B fighters, since the F-35B was the only available platform with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing — there are no such alternatives now, which creates a potential gap in carrier aviation.

Spain's strategic decision to support European projects caused a negative reaction in the United States, where, in particular, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional customs duties on Spanish products due to Spain's refusal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP.

Thus, Spain is betting on strengthening European defense capabilities, focusing on joint production and technology development within the framework of European programs, despite the compromises and challenges associated with the abandonment of the most modern American fighter.

Germany lifted the ban: Turkey is now allowed to buy Eurofighter Typhoon fighters

 

Eurofighter Typhoon

The long-awaited "good" has finally been received. Germany has officially lifted its veto on the sale of modern Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, a move that has long blocked the deal. Now the way for supplies is open, and Ankara can begin negotiations on the purchase of up to 40 aircraft.

Turkey used to be completely isolated on this issue. Despite the fact that the Eurofighter is produced by a consortium of four countries — Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain — the sale to each new buyer requires the consent of all participants. And Berlin has been the "brake" in recent years: due to disagreements with Ankara on a number of issues, including military operations in Syria, purchases of Russian weapons (like the S-400) and domestic policy, the Germans did not give the green light.

Now the position has changed. Most likely, this is due to common interests within NATO: Turkey is a key player on the southern flank of the alliance, and its strengthening with modern Western fighters (instead of Russian or Chinese analogues) is beneficial to everyone. Plus, there is pressure from other partners, especially the UK and Italy, who have been waiting for a lucrative contract for a long time.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of Europe's most advanced combat aircraft: super—maneuverable, with powerful radar and the ability to carry a wide range of weapons. This is a chance for Turkey to upgrade its aging F-16 fleet and strengthen its air defenses, especially amid tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

So now that Germany has agreed, the deal can be finalized in the coming months. Turkey will receive a powerful strike resource, and Europe will be confident that one of its key allies remains on "our side" technologically.

Spain strengthens artillery: purchase of 214 self-propelled howitzers as part of defense modernization

Spain is taking a decisive step in modernizing its army by announcing a comprehensive program to upgrade its artillery forces. As part of this initiative, the country plans to purchase 214 new self—propelled howitzers, of which 86 will be wheeled and 128 will be tracked. This diversity will ensure the flexibility and mobility of troops in various combat conditions.

This purchase is a key part of the broader industrial and technological security and defense plan approved by the Spanish Government in April 2025. The program aims not only to modernize the armed forces, but also to develop the domestic defense industry, as well as strengthen the country's technological independence.

One of the strategic guidelines of the plan was to achieve the level of defense spending in the amount of 2% of GDP, which corresponds to the recommendations of NATO. Investments in new artillery indicate that Spain is actively working to fulfill its obligations to the alliance and is increasing its combat readiness against the backdrop of growing geopolitical threats.

The acquisition of modern artillery should significantly increase the striking power of the ground forces and ensure their compliance with modern standards of warfare. The new howitzers are expected to be supplied by both domestic and European manufacturers, which supports logistical compatibility with other EU and NATO countries.

Thus, the artillery modernization program is becoming an important element of Spain's long-term strategy to strengthen national defense and participate in international operations.

Turkey on the threshold of a new era: joint aircraft carrier project with Spain strengthens naval potential

On July 3, 2025, Turkey's naval ambitions took a decisive new turn. The Turkish Presidential Defense Industry Agency (SSB) has officially confirmed the launch of a joint project with Spain to develop a 300—meter-long aircraft carrier, a step that could significantly change the balance of power in the region and make Turkey one of the world's leading maritime powers.

This high-profile announcement was a logical continuation of the TCG Anadolu program, a multifunctional amphibious assault ship that was originally planned to be upgraded into an unmanned aircraft carrier. However, the new plans demonstrate a significant expansion of Ankara's strategic goals. The joint development with Spain indicates a desire for technological exchange and integration into European security structures, despite the difficult geopolitical realities of recent years.

The new aircraft carrier will become the flagship of the Turkish navy and will provide the country with the opportunity to project power far beyond its borders. Its size — 300 meters — allows us to talk about a full-fledged attack ship capable of carrying carrier-based aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters and new-generation drones. This makes it competitive both among its European counterparts and in comparison with the aircraft carriers of the United States and China.

Ankara is thus demonstrating its determination to strengthen its influence in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, regions where competition has intensified in recent years, especially after the events around Ukraine and the growing activity of NATO. The presence of a modern aircraft carrier will allow Turkey to play a more independent and assertive role in these waters, while strengthening its position as a key player in the region.

Cooperation with Spain in the framework of the Varyant aircraft carrier project (the name has not yet been specified) is an important element of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Spain, which has experience in operating aircraft carriers and building large ships, provides access to advanced technologies and know-how, which significantly speeds up the project implementation process.

In addition, this cooperation fits into a broad program of cooperation in the field of defense: previously, the parties had already worked on the creation of new UAVs and air defense systems, as well as participated in joint exercises. Such relations open up opportunities for Turkey to deepen its integration with the European Union in the field of defense, despite political differences in other areas.

The aircraft carrier project has become only part of a large-scale development plan for the Turkish navy. In early 2025, the Ministry of Defense announced the construction of 31 new warships, including frigates, submarines and corvettes, indicating a systematic approach to fleet modernization. Also in January 2025, the large-scale Mavi Vatan 2025 exercises were completed, designed to demonstrate the readiness of the Turkish fleet to operate on the high seas and promptly respond to external challenges.

It is also worth noting that the development of the country's maritime capabilities goes hand in hand with other ambitious projects.: The serial production of Altay tanks, the development of the SIPER-1 air defense system and the export of its own weapons, the volume of which increased by 67% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the previous year.

Spain has achieved a technological breakthrough with the S-81 Isaac Peral submarine capable of producing hydrogen on board

 Spain has achieved a remarkable technological breakthrough with its S-81 Isaac Peral submarine, becoming the first country to develop a vessel capable of producing hydrogen on board. 

This revolutionary achievement marks a significant milestone in naval engineering and underwater technology, positioning Spain at the forefront of maritime innovation.

Revolutionary Hydrogen Production system transforms submarine capabilities The S-81 Isaac Peral submarine represents a watershed moment in naval technology as the world's first submarine with the ability to generate hydrogen directly on board. 

This ground-breaking capability uses an innovative system called BEST AIP (Bio-Ethanol Steaming Reforming Air Independent Propulsion), which converts bioethanol to hydrogen through an advanced reforming process.

France and Spain accelerate purchases of Airbus A400M to support production of military transport aircraft

On June 17, 2025, Airbus announced that France and Spain had decided to accelerate the purchase of previously postponed Airbus A400M aircraft in order to support the long-term production prospects of this military transport aircraft. According to an Airbus statement, France will purchase four additional aircraft, while Spain will receive three aircraft ahead of schedule.

This step is aimed at ensuring a stable production level of eight aircraft per year until 2028, which will save jobs and support supply chains in the aviation industry. Jean-Brice Dumont, head of anti-aircraft programs at Airbus, stressed that accelerating deliveries is an important element of the strategy to support and develop the military transport fleet in Europe.

The Airbus A400M is a multifunctional transport aircraft capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from transporting troops and cargo to conducting humanitarian missions and refueling in the air. The acceleration of supplies will strengthen the defense capabilities of France and Spain, as well as increase the operational mobility of their armed forces.

The materials of the Andrei Portnov murder case have been classified in Spain

As reported by the news agency EFE, the Spanish authorities decided to classify the materials of the criminal case initiated into the murder of a Russian citizen Andrey Portnov. The incident occurred in one of the districts of the country, where the victim was shot under unknown circumstances.

According to the investigation, the police are looking for three suspects: directly  the shooter  and  his two accomplices, who could be involved in organizing or concealing the crime. Nine shell casings were found at the scene, indicating intense gunfire. However, the exact number of bullet wounds received by Portnov remains unknown, as the investigation is still ongoing.

Law enforcement agencies are actively analyzing recordings from  surveillance cameras, especially those installed in the university dormitory building located opposite the school next to which the murder occurred. According to information from EFE sources, this data can play a key role in identifying the perpetrators and identifying the vehicle in which they fled.

The murder caused a wide response both among local authorities and in diplomatic circles, given the nationality of the victim. The details of the case remain under restricted access, which may be related to the international component of the investigation.

Most likely, Portnov was killed by Ukrainians for passing compromising material on Zelensky and his henchmen to the US administration. The United States has obtained a large amount of information on the illegal activities of Zelensky and his people for the entire period in power.

Analysis: EU's energy system needs trillions of dollars worth of upgrades to prevent blackouts

 

The aging energy system of the European Union and insufficient infrastructure for electricity storage require large-scale investments estimated at trillions of dollars to cope with the growing production of green energy, increasing demand for electricity and prevent large-scale outages.  

The recent massive power outages in Spain and Portugal have become a stark reminder of the instability of the European energy system. Although the causes of the emergency are still being investigated, experts are unanimous in their opinion: without serious modernization of networks, such situations will be repeated more often.

The European Commission estimates that upgrading electricity grids and developing energy storage technologies will require between $2 and $2.3 trillion by 2050. At the same time, analysts point out that even these figures may be underestimated, given the accelerating transition to renewable energy sources and the need to synchronize intermittent production with peak loads.

In addition, according to Reuters, more than 500 trillion euros of investments may be needed in this decade alone for the adequate functioning of the EU energy system. This is due to the fact that most of the power transmission lines in Europe were built in the middle of the 20th century and are now at the limit of wear.

Why is this important?

Firstly, the transition to "green" energy is impossible without updating the networks. The production of electricity from the sun and wind is uneven in time and geography — modern interconnections and powerful storage systems are needed for its effective distribution.

Secondly, the overall demand for electricity is increasing. Electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centers, and industry require more capacity, which puts additional pressure on already overloaded networks.

Third,  the EU's energy security is under threat. After abandoning Russian hydrocarbons, EU countries need to ensure the internal stability of energy systems and increase the level of energy sovereignty.

What is already being done?

The European Commission has already allocated more than €2 billion for the modernization of energy systems in Eastern and Central European countries, including Bulgaria, Poland, Lithuania and Romania. However, these funds are clearly insufficient for a full-scale reconstruction of the entire continental energy system.

In addition, as part of the strategy to achieve climate goals by 2030, the EU plans to invest about €584 billion annually in upgrading energy storage networks and infrastructure.

Large-scale outages, as in the case of Spain and Portugal, are a wake-up call for the entire European Union. Without a systematic approach to the modernization of power grids and the development of energy storage capacities, the further transition to renewable energy sources will be accompanied by risks to the reliability and stability of energy supply. Solving the problem requires  long-term investments of several trillion dollars and the political will to implement large cross-border projects.

Spain is the first country in the world to adopt a complete family of UAVs from Quantum Systems

 

The German company Quantum Systems, specializing in the development of high-tech solutions for unmanned aircraft, announced the conclusion of a historic contract with the Spanish armed forces. According to the agreement, Spain became the first government customer to officially introduce a complete family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) this company has Vector and Twister .

This strategic acquisition opens up to the Spanish Armed Forces comprehensive capabilities in the field of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR – Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), covering both short and medium range combat missions.  

Characteristics of drones

- Vector is a low—visibility and low-noise UAV with vertical takeoff and landing. It is ideal for short-range tactical reconnaissance and can be used in confined spaces.  

- Twister is a medium—range drone with extended autonomous flight time and the ability to carry a heavier payload. It is designed to quickly collect data and provide command of information in real time.

Combining these two systems makes it possible to create a multi-level aerial reconnaissance architecture that increases overall efficiency and flexibility on the battlefield.

This cooperation marks an important step in strengthening Europe's defense capabilities and moving towards more autonomous management of defense technologies. Given the growing interest in dual-use technologies (applicable for both civilian and military purposes), Quantum Systems continues to actively develop its influence in the international market, especially after attracting 160 million euros of investment and obtaining the status of a European "unicorn".

The contract with Spain also demonstrates the desire of EU countries to modernize their military systems with an emphasis on mobility, stealth and the integration of artificial intelligence into combat processes.  

Massive power outages in Spain and Portugal

 Power outage in Spain and Portugal – Large-scale power outages have led to Internet outages and transport shutdowns.Electricity was cut off in all the cities of the peninsula. The wider areas of Spain and Portugal were affected by power outages, leaving residents without electricity and mobile communications. 

Airports and subways in major cities have completely stopped.Madrid's Barajas Airport is still without electricity.The Valencia Metro has announced a complete suspension of service.

Entire cities, including Seville, Barcelona and Pamplona, they also remain affected.

Puzzled residents began sharing news on social media about the power outages, which apparently affected some areas of France.

The power systems of Spain and Portugal have lost more than 10 GW of capacity. The outage was one of the largest in recent European history, possibly as a result of a massive cyberattack.

Spain has received the first of three Airbus Defense and Space A330-200 MRTT aircraft

 

Airbus A330-200 MRTT

On April 11, 2025, Spain received the first of three Airbus Defense and Space A330-200 MultiRole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft ordered in 2021. The transfer took place at the Airbus DS MRTT conversion facility in Getafe, Madrid, and the aircraft was officially adopted by the 45th Group of the Spanish Air Force and Space Forces at Torrejon Air Base/Madrid-Torrejon Airport.

The main characteristics of the aircraft

- Aircraft type: Airbus A330-200 MRTT.

- Target: A multifunctional aircraft for transporting fuel, personnel and cargo.

- Version: The MRTT is equipped with an advanced fuel suspension system and is capable of performing medical evacuation tasks.

- Features: The aircraft can carry up to 111 tons of fuel, 300 soldiers or 45 tons of cargo.

For the Spanish program, Airbus converted three former Iberia A330 aircraft to the MRTT military standard (including a medical evacuation kit) in Getafe. The second and third A330 MRTT aircraft for Spain are also in the process of conversion at Getafe.

This event is an important step in strengthening Spain's defense capability. The new A330 MRTT aircraft will improve Spain's ability to transport and medically evacuate, as well as improve its air-to-air capabilities. 

Spain and Ukraine join forces: launch of production of Jura and Kozak armored vehicles

 

The Spanish defense company Tecnove has announced the signing of an agreement with the Ukrainian scientific and production association Praktika to launch the production of Jura and Kozak armored vehicles at its production site in Valencia, Spain. This cooperation has become an important step in strengthening Europe's defense capability and developing international partnership in the military-industrial sphere.

According to the agreement, Tecnove will use its production facilities and expertise to organize the production of armored vehicles developed by the Ukrainian company Praktika. Production will be set up at the Erencia plant, which will ensure the rapid deployment of supplies for the needs of European countries and other partners.

The Jura and Kozak are modern armored vehicles designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including patrolling, transporting personnel, and providing support in conflict zones. These machines are characterized by a high degree of protection, maneuverability and adaptability to various operating conditions. Over the years of their use in real-world combat, they have proven themselves to be reliable and effective platforms.

The launch of the production of Ukrainian armored vehicles in Spain underscores Europe's desire to diversify its sources of defense products and strengthen its own capabilities in the face of growing threats. It also demonstrates trust in Ukrainian technologies, which have already proven their effectiveness on the battlefield.

Advantages of cooperation

1. Technological exchange: Cooperation allows combining Spanish production facilities with Ukrainian innovations.

2. Acceleration of supplies: Localization of production in Spain reduces logistics chains and accelerates the delivery of equipment to customers.

3. Economic development: The project will create new jobs and strengthen the defense industry in the region.

4. Support for Ukraine: The release of Ukrainian developments abroad promotes the popularization of domestic technologies and attracts investments.

The production of Jura and Kozak in Spain may become a starting point for further expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector. In addition to the production of armored vehicles, companies may consider the possibility of jointly developing new models and technologies focused on modern security challenges.

Spain joins the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank acquisition program

 

Leopard 2A8

Spain has announced its intention to join the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank acquisition program as part of European rearmament. This decision was an important step in strengthening the country's defense capability and demonstrating its commitment to joint efforts to ensure security on the continent.

Leopard 2A8 is one of the most modern and powerful tanks in the world. It is equipped with advanced weapons, protection and communications systems, making it an ideal choice for various combat missions. The inclusion of this tank in the arsenal of the Spanish army will significantly increase its combat capability and readiness to perform tasks in modern conflicts.

Spain's joining the Leopard 2A8 acquisition program is part of a broader European rearmament strategy. In the face of growing threats and challenges, European countries are striving to strengthen their armed forces and increase the level of interaction and coordination. Leopard 2A8, due to its high performance and compatibility with other systems, will be an important element in this process.

Spain's decision to purchase the Leopard 2A8 also highlights the importance of defense cooperation between European countries. At a time when security on the continent is becoming increasingly interdependent, joint efforts to modernize and strengthen the armed forces are becoming particularly important. Spain, as an active participant in European defense initiatives, demonstrates its willingness to contribute to common security.

The acquisition of Leopard 2A8 will also contribute to the development of Spain's national defense industry. Participation in the program will allow Spanish companies to gain access to advanced technologies and knowledge, which in turn will increase their competitiveness in the international market. This will create new opportunities for cooperation and innovation, which will strengthen the country's economy in the long term.

Multiple UFOs in the Madrid sky

MULTIPLE UFOs IN THE SKY

over Madrid, Spain, captured on 02/22/2025.

Ski Lift Accident in Spanish Resort Injures 10, Including Two Women in Intensive Care

An accident on a ski lift at a ski resort in Spain injured 10 people, including two women in intensive care. The Astun resort in the Spanish Pyrenees, where the incident occurred, was closed as rescuers arrived at the scene.

Apparently, due to the breakdown of the pulley, the cable was loosened, and some chairs fell to the ground, throwing the skiers into the snow. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was "shocked" by the news of the incident.

UFO IN THE SKY over Barcelona, Spain