Airbus to Lead New Spanish Army Combat Training System
The Spanish Ministry of Defense has entrusted Airbus Defence and Space with leading the development of the new integrated combat training system for the Air and Space Force, according to a company statement.
Contract Details and Scope
The contract, jointly led by Airbus as the national coordinator and Turkish Aerospace as the manufacturer, includes the acquisition of 30 HÜRJET training aircraft from the Turkish manufacturer, the company states. This program aims to replace the current fleet of F-5 aircraft and cover the entire advanced training process for Spanish combat pilots. The project also involves the creation of an aircraft conversion center in Spain, the renovation of the training center at the Talavera la Real Air Base in Extremadura, and the provision of an integrated set of operation and maintenance services at this base, the statement details.
Program Phases and Timeline
The program is divided into two simultaneous phases, according to Airbus. The first involves the delivery of 30 HÜRJET aircraft in their initial configuration, their certification in Spain, and their handover to the client throughout 2028 and 2029. The second phase will focus on the conversion of the 30 aircraft with national content and their subsequent delivery to the client, scheduled for the second half of 2031 until 2035, the group indicates. The conversion of the first two aircraft will be carried out at the Airbus facilities in Getafe, while the remaining 28 aircraft will be converted at the program's conversion center to be established in Spain.
National Conversion Work and New Training Systems
The national conversion work will involve the participation and development of several Spanish technological and defense companies, the statement specifies. These efforts will focus on mission and training systems, remote interface units, audio management systems, avionic computers, mission recording, or weapon simulators. Additionally, Airbus plans to create a new ground training system by 2028 at the Talavera la Real Air Base, with the participation of other representatives from the Spanish industry. This center will feature various levels of simulation, including two mission simulators, virtual reality simulators, computerized training, and multipurpose rooms, among other systems, according to the company. The new comprehensive combat training system also includes a set of services to ensure the highest availability of the new fleet and the proper functioning of the training center, including ground instruction.
