The Spanish Navy is taking a significant step towards modernizing and strengthening its maritime capabilities. It has commissioned the renowned public shipyard Navantia to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of Spain’s first conventional aircraft carrier. This ambitious project marks a turning point in Spanish naval history, as it will enable the operation of aircraft with conventional take-off and landing on runways, moving away from vertical take-off only.
Why a Conventional Aircraft Carrier? Spain Focuses on Strategic Independence
Until now, Spanish Navy aircraft carriers, such as the “Dédalo,” “Príncipe de Asturias,” and “Juan Carlos I,” have been limited to operating vertical take-off and landing aircraft. This currently leads to a problematic reliance on a single aircraft model: the US F-35 Bravo, the only operational combat aircraft with vertical landing and short take-off capabilities (STOVL).
Navy sources emphasize that this dependence on a single manufacturer like Lockheed Martin represents not only a political vulnerability but also a significant industrial risk. Production stoppages or supply chain issues could severely impact the Spanish Navy’s operational readiness. Therefore, the Navy Plan 2050, which defines capability targets for the middle of this century, envisages the acquisition of up to three aircraft carriers, one of which will have the capability for conventional aircraft operations.
Technical Details and Future Capacities of the Planned Aircraft Carrier
The study, funded by the Navy itself and conducted by Navantia, will specify the exact technical characteristics of the future aircraft carrier. Estimates suggest the ship will have a displacement of approximately 40,000 tons, which is about 50% more than the “Juan Carlos I LHD,” the largest current ship in the Spanish Navy. It is expected that the aircraft carrier will be able to carry around thirty aircraft and helicopters. A key feature under investigation will be the integration of an electromagnetic catapult for aircraft launch and recovery, a technology that would significantly increase efficiency and safety.
Military experts agree: the design and construction of a conventional aircraft carrier are technologically less complex than that of a frigate. Such a ship would multiply Spain’s power projection capabilities over long distances and enhance the country’s strategic importance on the international stage.
Challenges and Opportunities: The Future of Spain’s Air Fleet
The Navy faces the urgent need to replace its aging Harrier AV8B vertical take-off aircraft. These are expected to be decommissioned by the end of this decade as their production has ceased. The only current market option is the F-35B, of which 12 units would need to be acquired, with an option for an additional six units.
However, the Ministry of Defense has not yet given the green light for this expensive acquisition, not least due to the political commitment in favor of the European industry. The final decision will also depend on whether the F-35 is selected as a replacement for the Air Force’s F-18s. A larger joint order could lead to better prices and greater involvement of Spanish companies.
The conventional aircraft carrier project opens up new possibilities for the Navy. It would allow for the acquisition of other versions of the F-35, such as the F-35 Charlie, or even European models like the French Rafale M, further reducing dependence on a single supplier.
Outlook: A Lengthy but Crucial Project
Navy sources emphasize that this is an embryonic project and that the Spanish government must make a final decision after the feasibility study is completed. The financing of this ambitious undertaking could be realized through the target of 2.1 percent of GDP that Spain aims to invest in defense. The estimated realization time for a project of this magnitude is between 10 and 15 years.
Meanwhile, the Navy is preparing for other important events. In the coming weeks, the S-82, the second in the S-80 submarine series, is expected to be launched, 18 months behind its original schedule. Furthermore, in October, programs under the Industrial Security and Defense Plan, funded with 10.471 million Euros, will commence, including the future naval platform for reconnaissance and electronic warfare, the new Combat Supply Ship (BAC), and the hydrographic ocean vessel.
