This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through May 29, 2024. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
T-7A
LONDON—Spain’s on-again, off-again efforts to pick a replacement platform for the F-5 lead-in trainer aircraft are again underway, with options including development of a new system to support the air force’s future fighter ambition.
Spain is looking at four systems already on the market for the F-5 replacement, while also studying the possibility of pursuing a brand new design, Lt. Col. Hugo Garcia Galán, deputy operational chairman for the Next Generation Weapon System effort at the Spanish Air and Space Force, told a Royal Aeronautical Society event here May 21.
The contenders are the Boeing T-7, Korea Aerospace Industries T-50, Leonardo M-346 and Turkish Aerospace (TAI) Hurjet, though other contenders also could come into the running, Garcia said. Even if Spain goes ahead with backing development of a trainer optimized to support pilot education for sixth-generation combat aircraft, the government could proceed with an interim purchase of an existing system to bridge any gap, he added.
Spain has delayed the retirement of the F-5 from around 2028 to 2030 or later, he said, and there is no firm timeline when a decision on the way forward will be made.
Development of a new fighter would involve partnering with at least one other European country. Garcia said France, Italy or the UK would be among potential candidates.
The future fighter that Spain is working to develop with France and Germany (Belgium is an observer on the project) is scheduled to enter service sometime after 2040. France and Germany in particular have been haggling over the structure of the program and way forward. Garcia acknowledged the schedule has slipped during the opening phases, but added it is currently running to plan.
Related Content
