A330 MRTT Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Refuelling

A cornerstone of European defence

With a rich legacy tracing back over 100 years to the foundation of CASA, Airbus Defence and Space in Spain is a strategic cornerstone of the company's global operations, leading the vital military air transport and defence segments. The Defence business is anchored by Spain's traditional strengths in strategic and tactical air transport and mission aircraft.

This national capability is evident in the final assembly lines for the A400M and C295 transport aircraft, a major collaborative role in the Eurofighter programme —Europe’s largest joint defence initiative— and our comprehensive support for military and public service helicopter fleets.  Crucially, it spearheads development in future domains like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) (FCAS) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).

By developing sovereign aerospace capabilities and fostering technological innovation, Airbus Spain contributes directly to the security and operational autonomy of its domestic market, European defence and international allies.

Airbus’ impact on Spain Full report

Key highlights

27 A400M

27 A400M military transport aircraft ordered by Spain. 

115 Eurofighters

Spain will have 115 Eurofighters by 2035. Third largest fleet in the world.

26,000 jobs

The Eurofighter program will generate 26,000 jobs in Spain through 2026.

16 C295

16 C295 maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft ordered by Spain.

Guardia Civil's Airbus H135

Authored on

H135 Guardia Civil

Customer missions: Defending Spain and securing citizens

Airbus platforms are critical to Spain's security. The Air and Space Force utilise the Eurofighter, A400M, and A330 MRTT for air defence, transport and key missions including air-to-air refuelling. 

The versatile NH90 and H135 provide tactical transport, disaster relief and pilot training. The Guardia Civil and National Police use the H135 for law enforcement and rescue operations, while the PAZ and SpainSat satellites provide secure communications to the Spanish armed forces.

Our customers’ missions
Military Aircraft Formation Flight

Airbus: industrial pillar of Spanish defence

Spain hosts critical aerospace and defence hubs. Getafe is central for the Eurofighter Final Assembly Line (FAL), A330 MRTT conversion, A400M MRO and key space solutions like the SpainSat NG security satellites. 

Seville leads military transport with the A400M and C295 FALs and the International Training Centre (ITC). The Albacete site manufactures and supports Airbus helicopters such as the NH90 and H135 for military and security forces. Cádiz provides advanced composite components. 

  • Airbus

    1st

    Industrial partner for Spain’s Air and Space Force

  • Employees of Airbus Defence and Space

    Ca. 9.000

    in Spain

  • Airbus

    1.985+

    Military aircraft delivered worldwide

  • Military professionals

    20,000

    trained in the last 15 years in San Pablo, Seville

SIRTAP Mountains

Next-generation air systems: FCAS and uncrewed technology

Airbus is Spain’s leader in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), driving innovation for European defence. We lead Spain's industrial role in the Eurodrone programme and host its lead engineering office. 

Furthermore, Spain plays a pivotal role in FCAS, leading the Extreme Low Observability pillar. The Getafe site provides deep expertise in mission systems and is home to the SIRTAP tactical drone Final Assembly Line (FAL), reinforcing Spanish sovereignty in uncrewed technology.

Seville Center Satellite image from Pléaides Neo

Security from space and geo-information

Airbus is a key industrial partner for Spain’s space sovereignty, developing and manufacturing the PAZ satellite for all-weather Earth observation and the secure communications satellites SpainSat NG. Spain is also a critical partner in European launch capabilities, manufacturing key structural components for the Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket.

Furthermore, Airbus Intelligence, based in Barcelona, provides world-leading geo-information and defence solutions.

A force for good: crisis response and social responsibility

Air support in times of crisis

Our military aircraft ensure the safe evacuation of citizens during conflicts, such as in Kabul in 2021 and Sudan in 2024. They also conduct critical aeromedical evacuation missions.

A400M: an ally in a crisis

Disaster relief support

During crises such as COVID and the DANA floods, our aircraft delivered essential supplies and performed search and rescue (SAR) missions. Satellite imagery and secure radio systems directly aided ground emergency teams.

Providing urgent help

Testing sustainable aviation fuels

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% throughout its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. The A400M has already flown a test using a 29% SAF blend from Seville.

Serving communities

The latest from Spain

In the spotlight

Pleiades Neo image - Madrid, Spain

As one of Airbus’ four founding nations, Spain is home to major production facilities for commercial aircraft, helicopter, space and defence activities.