Ejercito del Aire Junio de 2015

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FORCE REPORT Spanish Air Force

THE Ejército del Aire (EdA, literally ‘army of the air’)

offers Spain’s Government the flexibility to deliver mobility, high-level firepower and air defence at short notice. These capabilities remain important deterrents to potential enemies, but the climate of economic crisis has seen continuous budget cuts since 2008. Primary frontline equipment

consists of the F-18M Hornet – upgraded from McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A and ’B standards – the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed P-3 Orion, the latter in its ’A, ’B and updated ’M versions.For many years acquisition

has focused on the Typhoon, a programme progressing slowly but steadily. Investment in the multi-role fighter must be reaffirmed so that the most can be made of a weapon system that has already demanded so much from the Spanish treasury.Of particular importance is

the purchase of the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile (AAM), the latest generation of Litening targeting pod, integration of advanced air-to-ground weapons, the addition of an anti-ship capability and consideration

of an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar to dramatically improve target detection and radar performance. As such, the EdA is following the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon plans very closely, since the British jets are arguably the most advanced of all.There is also great benefit in

continuing the highly successful policy of sharing experience and flying joint manoeuvres with other Typhoon operators, in particular the RAF, which used the aircraft in combat during Operation Unified Protector over Libya in 2011.The harsh reality is that the

economic crisis has led to deep cuts in defence budgets. The EdA was forced to trim its projected Typhoon buy from 87 to 73, and to cease acquisition at Tranche 3A, without being included in the definitive Tranche 3B buy.

Hornet upgradeGiven the slow pace of Typhoon development, the F-18 Hornet remains the backbone of Spanish air power. The aircraft flies from three bases, Torrejón, Zaragoza and Gando.After 25 years’ service, the

Hornets recently completed the final phase of a mid-life update (MLU) to ensure it could

StrugglesComing up to its 75th anniversary, Spain’s Ejército del Aire continues to struggle after years of fierce defence cuts. Yet upgrades to its Hornet fleet and slow development of the Typhoon force are maintaining capability, as Salvador Mafé Huertas explains.

Spanish

continue to deliver maximum benefit as well as providing additional key features.Given the excellence of

the basic platform, limited additional investment was considered worthwhile to keep the Hornet viable until its expected withdrawal between 2025 and 2030. It also brought the added benefit of generating work for Spanish industry. First, the short-range infrared IRIS-T AAM was selected to complement and replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The decision was made to integrate it along with the Helmet-Mounted Symbology System (HMSS) originally developed by BAE Systems for the Typhoon. The helmet, which is entering

service on Typhoons flying with Ala 11 and Ala 14, enables targeting independent of the head-up display (HUD), exploiting IRIS-T’s greater engagement envelope compared to Sidewinder and increasing the Hornet’s short-range air-to-air capability.It also made sense to replace

the APG-65 radar, the EdA remaining the only Hornet operator employing this older unit rather than the more modern and capable APG-73 – which is available in large quantities second-hand and in good condition, thanks to the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet modernisation programme replacing it with the APG-79 AESA.Compared to APG-65, the

APG-73 affords longer range and improved identification of airborne targets along with air-to-ground capabilities similar to those of the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, including digital mapping.

Above: The upgraded Hornets of Ala 12 now use Taurus cruise missiles for attacking high-value targets from safe distances. All photos author unless stated

Main image: Ala 12 originally fl ew two F-18M Hornet squadrons but, due to budget cuts, 122 Squadron was disbanded and its pilots posted to staff or desk postings. EdA

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FORCE REPORT Spanish Air Force

OrganisationThe Ejército del Aire is organised into � ying and ground units, the latter including radar stations, special forces, support and logistics organisations. Several squadrons exist on paper as discrete units, but operate with no real division between them in terms of personnel or equipment.The Fuerza Aérea (air force) is the EdA’s � ying component, de� ned under

Article 2 of Royal Decree 416/2006 as personnel and materiel grouped and organised for the primary task of preparing for and conducting military operations. The decree also de� nes Mando Aéreo de Combate (MACOM, Air Combat Command), Mando Aéreo General (MAGEN, General Air Com-mand) and Mando Aéreo de Canarias (Canary Islands Air Command).

Organisation

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FORCE REPORT Spanish Air Force

PORTUGAL

SPAIN

FRANCE

ANDORRA

Balearic Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Strait of Gibraltar

AtlanticSea

Mallorca

Menorca

Ibiza

Albacete

AlcantarillaSan Javier

Armilla

Talavera

Cuatro VientosGetafe

Torrejón

Villanubla

Madrid

Son San Juan

Morón

Zaragoza

Tenerife

Las Palmas

Gran Canaria

Canary Islands

Gando

It reduces the possibility of target misidentification and the risk of collateral damage, and cheaper parts too, given its larger customer base– and manufacturer Raytheon claims maintenance costs are lower than the APG-65’s.The dual-mode laser-guided/

GPS GBU-48 Enhanced Paveway 1,000lb (454kg) bomb also recently entered service on the F-18M. The EdA previously lacked an all weather, GPS-guided munition, lagging behind other NATO air forces, but now boasts an advanced weapon few others possess.Meanwhile, buying the Taurus

missile and integrating it onto the Hornet and Typhoon has also put Spain among the world leaders in offensive capability. And more are likely to be required, since its initial inventory of 43 weapons is considered inadequate.Meanwhile, other missiles,

especially the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-84 Harpoon and AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) are being replaced in other countries by newer systems, and their future in Spanish service should be reviewed. A HARM alternative is particularly important if the latest air defence radars are to be defeated. Applying the MLU to the F/A-18A

Hornets purchased second-hand from the US Navy under the CX programme from 1996 is proving problematic. Currently in service with 462 Escuadrón at Gando, these aircraft have been given software updates, but had already accumulated high

airframe hours before their arrival in Spain and so their upgrade may not be economically viable. Although the Hornet’s

replacement is still a long way off, the EdA is studying options. Next year it will begin a replacement programme to consider the purchase of additional, more advanced Typhoons, F-35A Lighting IIs or a mix of either of the two with unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs). A decision is unlikely for several years.In early 2013, budget cuts

Mando Aéreo de CombateAir Combat Command’s primary task is to prepare combat units, combat support, and command and control systems for military operations, ful� lling assigned permanent and temporary taskings. It also has responsibility for unit training and maintaining auxiliary combat and combat support capability.

Mando Aéreo de CombateParent Unit

Base Squadrons Aircraft (Spanish designation)

Ala 11 Morón 111, 113 and 221 Esc

EF-2000 (C/CE.16), P-3A/B/M (P.3)

Ala 12 Torrejón 121 Esc F-18A+/M (C/CE.15)

Ala 14 Albacete 142 Esc * EF-2000 (C/CE.16)

Ala 15 Zaragoza 151 & 153 Esc

F-18A+/M (C/CE.15)

Ala 31 Zaragoza 311 Esc C-130H/KC-130H/C-130H-30 (T/TK/TL.10)

Ala 35 Getafe 351 Esc C-295 (T.21)

47 Grupo Torrejón 471 and 472 Esc

Boeing 707/707 tanker/transport (T/TK/TM.17), Falcon 20 (TM.11) and C.212 (T.12C/TM.12D)

A 111 Escuadrón Typhoon loaded with a GBU-16 during an air-to-ground bombing exercise at Las Bardenas weapons range. EdA

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forced the EDA’s chief of staff into a controversial decision. The second squadrons of Ala 12, 15, 23, 31 and 35 were disbanded along with the first of Ala 14, saving on fuel and maintenance costs. The disbanded squadrons’ senior pilots (with ten or more years’ service) were posted to non-flying jobs, causing a temporary reduction in operational capability, although this had been restored by late 2014.

Supporting assetsAlthough the EdA is generally well balanced, there are deficiencies in its capabilities. Spain participates in NATO’s E-3A Component Airborne Warning and Control System Force, but its input is insufficient to maintain constant watch over Spanish airspace. This, and the desire for command flexibility, is driving a requirement for an organic AWACS capability.Among possibilities for satisfying

the requirement, the Israeli Gulfstream G550-based airborne early warning (AEW) system is perhaps the most interesting.

Mando Aéreo GeneralGeneral Air Command’s primary responsibility is the support of public services – including firefighting. It also oversees Fuerza Aérea facilities at air bases and other airfields. Its units include 43 Grupo as part of the Unidad Militar de Emer-gencias (UME, Military Emergency Unit), the Centro Cartográfico y Fotográfico (CECAF, Cartographic and Photographic Centre) and the Centro Logístico del Aire (CLAEX, Armament and Experimentation Logistics Centre), which is tasked through the Mando Apoyo Logístico (MALOG, Logistics Support Command).

Mando Aéreo GeneralParent Unit

Base Sqns Aircraft (Spanish designation)

Ala 37 Villanubla 371 Esc C.212 (T.12B)

Ala 48 Cuatro Vientos/Getafe (depending on MACOM CSAR tasking)

402 and 803 Esc

AS332 Super Puma (HD.21/HT.21/HT.21A), AS532 (HT.27), CN.235 (D.4)

Ala 49 Son San Juan 801 Esc CN.235 SIGMA (D.4), SA330 (HD.19)

43 Grupo Torrejón 431 and 432 Esc

CL-215T/415 (UD.13T/UD.14)

45 Grupo Torrejón 451 Esc Falcon 900B (T.18), A310 (T.22)

CECAF Getafe 403 and 409 Esc

CN.235 (TR.19A), Citation V (TR.20), Beechcraft C90 (E/U.22)

CLAEX Torrejón 541 Esc C.101 (E.25), T-35C Tamiz (E.26), C.212 (T.12D)

A modern platform promising low operational costs, the G550 AEW has a long detection range, requires a crew of just six and operates at very high altitudes. Compared to its rivals it offers benefits in radar coverage, reduced fuel consumption and increased range.

UCAVsArmed UCAVs have been in service with the US Air Force for some years, and also operate closer to home with the RAF and Italy’s Aeronautica Militare Italiana. They offer commanders extraordinary flexibility, controlled by satellite from thousands of miles away, loitering for hours collecting intelligence and ready to strike with precision at fleeting targets. They are also cheaper to acquire and operate than crewed fighters while potentially offering them an affordable complement. The EdA is a little behind the

curve in understanding the possibilities for UCAVs, and although an unmanned air vehicle training unit has been

Above: The Spanish Air Force currently operates both KC-130H and Boeing 707 tankers as force multipliers. EdALeft: A Typhoon sits in a QRA shelter at Moron Air Base. Below right: No 22 Grupo, the second operational unit of Ala 11 at Moron Air Base, has three P-3Ms (‘modernizad’), two P-3Bs and two P-3As, flying with 221 Escuadrón.Below: A Boeing 707 transport/tanker from 471 Escuadrón returns to Gando Air Base, Canary Islands, after a sortie. Wim Das

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FORCE REPORT Spanish Air Force

established at Matacán Air Base (Salamanca), for now the army has been pioneering Spanish UAV operations, with the Heron and Raven.

Upgrades and acquisitionsConsiderably more urgent is the need to replace the Boeing 707s used as transports and tankers. Their legacy engines return poor fuel efficiency and, having been in service for many years, the airframes have accumulated high flight hours and are becoming increasingly maintenance-intensive. Technical issues are also emerging.The optimal solution would

be to adopt the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), with its higher fuel offload and more economical operations. Britain’s A330 MRTT (Voyager) programme, where aircraft are leased from AirTanker, has enabled the RAF to operate a fleet of the most modern and capable tanker-transports without the full costs of acquisition. A similar scheme could be of interest to the EdA.Spain has already committed

to buying 27 Airbus A400M transport aircraft as replacements

Mando Aéreo de CanariasCanary Islands Air Command delivers MACOM and MAGEN capabilities in the islands. It includes Ala 46, which is tasked by MACOM, and 802 Esc tasked by MAGEN.

Mando Aéreo de CanariasParent Unit Base Sqns Aircraft (Spanish designation)

Ala 46 Gando 462 Esc F/A-18A (C.15)

802 Esc Gando CN.235 SIGMA (D.4), AS332 (HD.21)

Apoyo a la FuerzaThe Apoyo a la Fuerza (Support Force) manages, administers and controls air force materiel, � nancial and human resources, including the logistics that facilitate day-to-day functionality across units. It includes the Mando de Personal (MAPER, Personnel Command - see page 75), MALOG and the Dirección de Asuntos Económicos (DAE, Directorate of Economic A� airs).

Above: SF-5Bs of Ala 23, based at Talavera, are used for fi ghter lead-in training and have undergone an extensive avionics and structural upgrade in recent years, which included replacing the ejection seats. EdABelow: The EdA has fi ve Falcon 900s on strength with 451 Escuadrón, 45 Grupo at Torrejón AB. JM Santaner

Bombardier CL-415s of 43 Grupo are tasked to put out the many wildfi res that blaze across Spain in the summer months.

An Ala 11 Eurofi ghter, one of four deployed to Ämari Air Base, in Estonia taxies to the runway on March 23. The jets were there as part of a fourth month NATO Baltic Air Policing mission that ended on May 4. Cristian Schrik

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Spanish Eurofi ghters on NATO Baltic Air Policing dutyFrom January 1 until May 4, the Spanish Air Force detached four Euro� ghters from Morón-based Ala 11 to Ämari Air Base in Esto-nia. The jets were present as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, which since May 2014 has seen Ämari used as a second Baltic base (the other is in Lithu-ania) to host NATO � ghters. The Spanish deployment was led

by Lt Col Enrique Fernández Am-bel, who told reporters at a press conference on April 22 that the alert response time required by NATO had been reduced from 30 minutes to 15. He also revealed that the Spanish Euro� ghters had � own 400 hours and carried out ten interceptions. The commander headed up

a team of 115 people, which included pilots, maintenance crew and support personnel as well as a doctor and � re rescue team. He explained there had only been a few serviceability issues during the 300 or so start-ups. Their deployment, which started in dark winter, saw the Spanish Euro� ght-ers operating in some severe conditions, including snow and temperatures of -20°C. Unusual weather for the Spanish Air Force!To date there have been four

NATO detachments to Estonia, initially by Royal Danish F-16s, which were relieved by German Air Force/TaktLwG 74 Euro� ght-ers from Neuberg. They handed over to the Spanish Euro� ghters before they were succeeded by the RAF’s 6 Squadron Typhoon FGR4s out of RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. Alan Warnes

Mando de PersonalPersonnel Command is responsible for the management of air force personnel, primarily through pilot and aircrew training. Its units include the Academia General del Aire (AGA, Air Academy), Grupo de Escuelas de Matacán (GRUEMA) and Escuela Militar de Paracaidismo (EMP).

for its Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet. Deliveries are expected between 2016 and 2021.Upgrade of the third and

final Lockheed P-3B Orion maritime patrol aircraft to P-3M standard has recently been completed, bringing the strength of Ala 11’s Grupo 22 (221 Escuadrón) up to three P-3Ms, two P-3Bs and two P-3As.A programme is also under

way to find a replacement for the CASA C.101EB Aviojet basic trainer, and it seems likely the EdA will buy a turboprop.

A grim pictureSpain’s defence spending continues to be limited, following the trend of recent years that has brought austerity to the military. Between 2008 and 2013 the budget fell by more than €1.9 billion, or 25%. As the former Defence Minister,

Carme Chacón reported in late 2011, the cuts caused problems meeting payment obligations. Summing up the situation, a military source stated: “Every litre of fuel, flight hour, bullet shot and maintenance cost must be justified.”The defence budget for 2015 is

Mando de PersonalParent Unit Base Sqns Aircraft (Spanish designation)

AGA San Javier 791, 792 and 794 Esc

C.101 (E.25), T-35C (E.26), CASA C-127 (U.9)

Ala 23 Talavera 231 Esc SF-5B/M (AE.9)

Ala 78 Armilla 781 and 782 Esc

S-76C (HE.24), EC120B (HE.25)

GRUEMA Matacán 741 and 744 Esc

C.101 (E.25), CN.235 (T.19B)

42 Grupo Villanubla Beech F33C (E.24A)

721 Esc/EMP Alcantarilla C.212 (T.12B)

€6.261 billion, of which €4.529 billion (72%) will be spent on personnel costs. Effectively returning national defence spending to the level of ten years ago, it represents a decrease of 8.8% compared to the 2011 budget.

Above: Patrulla Águila, the EdA’s jet demonstration team, is based at San Javier Air Base, operating C-101EB Aviojet basic trainers.

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Above right: Gando-based 802 Escuadrón covers SAR taskings on Gran Canaria, operating the AS332 Super Puma. EdABelow: Of all the helicopters operated by the air force, the smallest, but one of the most modern, is the Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri. Fifteen, purchased in late 1999, are operated by Ala 78 at Armilla, Granada, to train Spanish military and police helicopter pilots the basic rotary course. Instructor pilots from the unit make up the Patrulla ASPA display team.