Airbus to lead Spain’s new combat training system

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has appointed Airbus Defence and Space to lead the development and implementation of the Spanish Air and Space Force’s new combat Integrated Training System (ITS-C). The programme, coordinated nationally by Airbus and supported by Turkish Aerospace as manufacturer of the HÜRJET Jet Trainer, is designed to replace the current F-5 fleet and deliver a complete advanced training solution for Spanish combat pilots.

The contract includes the acquisition of 30 HÜRJET Jet Trainers from Turkish Aerospace, their conversion with Spanish content to meet customer requirements, the establishment of an Aircraft Conversion Centre in Spain, refurbishment of the Training Centre at the Fighter and Attack School at Talavera la Real Air Base in Extremadura, and provision of integrated operation and maintenance services at the base.

The programme will run in two overlapping phases. The first phase covers delivery of 30 HÜRJET Jet Trainers in their initial configuration, certification in Spain and handover to the customer during 2028 and 2029. The second phase will focus on conversion work with national content, scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2035. The first two aircraft will be converted at Airbus facilities in Getafe, with the remaining 28 modified at the new Conversion Centre in Spain.

Ambitious programme
Jean-Brice Dumont, head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “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.”

The conversion work will involve several Spanish technology and defence companies, focusing on mission and training systems, remote interface units, audio management systems, avionics computers, mission recording and armament simulators. Airbus also plans to establish a new Ground Based Training System (GBTS) at Talavera la Real Air Base in 2028, featuring mission simulators, virtual reality systems, computer-based training and multi-purpose rooms.

The integrated combat training system will include a comprehensive services package to ensure maximum fleet availability and efficient operation of the Training Centre, including ground instruction.