Spain – Airbus Defence and Space has been selected by the Spanish Ministry of Defence to lead the development and implementation of the Spanish Air and Space Force’s new Integrated Training System for Combat (ITS-C).

• The programme is led jointly by Airbus, acting as national coordinator for Spain, and Turkish Aerospace, the manufacturer of the HÜRJET Jet Trainer, with the primary objective of replacing the Spanish Air and Space Force’s current F-5 fleet.

• The contract covers the acquisition of 30 HÜRJET Jet Trainer aircraft, refurbishment of the Fighter and Attack School Training Centre at Talavera la Real Air Base in Extremadura, establishment of a new Aircraft Conversion Centre in Spain, and the delivery of integrated operational and maintenance services.

• The programme is structured in two parallel phases. The first phase includes delivery, certification, and entry into service of 30 aircraft in their initial configuration between 2028 and 2029.

• The second phase focuses on converting all 30 aircraft with Spanish-specific systems and content, with deliveries scheduled between the second half of 2031 and 2035. The first two conversions will be conducted at Airbus facilities in Getafe, with the remaining 28 aircraft converted at the new Spanish Conversion Centre.

• Airbus will also lead the creation of a new Ground Based Training System (GBTS) at Talavera la Real Air Base from 2028, incorporating mission simulators, virtual reality simulators, computer-based training systems, and multi-purpose training facilities.

• The integrated training system includes a comprehensive services package to ensure fleet availability and sustained operation of the training centre, including ground instruction support.

Statements

• “This ambitious programme seeks to create a state-of-the-art combat training system in Spain that addresses the immediate needs of the Air and Space Force. It will also boost national industry participation, return on investment and capability development, ensuring Spanish sovereignty throughout the entire process,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.

Source: Airbus