Defense relations between Turkey and Spain have gained relevance in recent months, in a context where Madrid is seeking options to modernize its fleet of combat aircraft after ruling out the purchase of Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning II for its Armed Forces. Turkish media and specialized defense outlets recently reported that Spain may be evaluating the incorporation of the fifth-generation TAI KAAN fighter, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which is expected to enter service by 2030.
Speculation intensified after the Spanish government confirmed in August that it will not acquire the F-35B — the only Western fighter with short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, essential for operations from the Navy’s flagship vessel, the Juan Carlos I. Without this option, the Spanish naval aviation’s fixed-wing component faces an uncertain future, while the Spanish Air and Space Force continues to rely primarily on the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Growing Spanish-Turkish cooperation
Both countries, NATO allies, share military doctrines, although Turkey has developed an independent defense industry that has gained recognition for its drones, missiles, and now fifth-generation fighters. At the FEINDEF defense fair held in Madrid in May, the Turkish defense industry had a prominent role. Within that framework, the Spanish government signed the acquisition of Hürjet advanced trainer aircraft to replace the F-5Ms, with a co-production agreement alongside Airbus. In October, the Council of Ministers approved expanding the order to 45 units, to be assembled in Turkey and integrated with Spanish systems.
For defense analysts, this growing industrial partnership reinforces the reports about a possible Spanish interest in the KAAN, although the Ministry of Defense has not confirmed the information.
Spain facing the Harrier replacement
The Spanish Navy faces the challenge of replacing its AV-8B+ Harriers, which are expected to be retired around 2030. These aircraft operate from the Juan Carlos I and are currently the only embarked fixed-wing platforms. Admiral General Antonio Piñeiro, Chief of Staff of the Navy, stated that efforts are underway to extend their operational life until 2032 and that various options are being considered — including the acquisition of retired units from the U.S. or Italy to use as a source of spare parts.
After rejecting the F-35B, Spain is evaluating the possibility of building a new conventional aircraft carrier to expand the range of available aircraft, such as France’s Rafale M or the naval variant F-35C. This project is still in the study phase under Navantia and does not offer immediate solutions to avoid the operational gap that may arise once the Harriers are retired.
The KAAN and its development
The TAI KAAN, known in its early phase as TF-X, is Turkey’s main project to replace its F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and F-4E-2020 fleets. It is a fifth-generation air superiority fighter featuring low radar signature, advanced avionics with artificial intelligence, and network-centric warfare capabilities. According to TAI, the initial Block 10 version will enter operations in 2029 with limited capabilities that will expand as testing progresses.
In September, the Turkish company announced the assembly of two new prototypes with nearly complete mission systems, whose first flights are scheduled for 2026. A total of six prototypes will be built to support the test program, with an initial production rate of eight aircraft per year. The Turkish Air Force plans to acquire at least 148 units, while the first export contract was signed in June with Indonesia for the sale of 48 aircraft over a 120-month period, including technology transfer. “The agreement will bring prosperity to both Turkey and Indonesia,” stated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the announcement.
However, the program still depends on foreign components, such as the General Electric F110 engines, whose export requires U.S. authorization. Turkey is developing its own engine with the goal of beginning flight testing in 2028.
A transition alternative until the FCAS
Spain’s potential interest in the KAAN could stem from the need to acquire a fifth-generation fighter to complement the Eurofighter, serving as a bridge until the arrival of the European sixth-generation fighter, the FCAS (Future Combat Air System), scheduled for the 2040s. The decision regarding the Harrier replacement and the future direction of Spain’s combat aviation remains open, as Europe seeks to diversify suppliers and reduce dependence on the U.S.—a scenario in which the Turkish defense industry emerges as a rising player.
*Images for illustrative purposes only
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