Spain wants to replace old Harrier AV-8B+ aircraft with fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters at a cost of more than $100 million

The Spanish Navy is considering the F-35 Lightning II as a replacement for its aging Harrier AV-8B+ attack aircraft. Moreover, the Iberian country wants to start the project as soon as possible.

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Spain has its eye on the most expensive version of the fifth-generation fighter, the F-35B Lightning II. The average cost of the short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft in the 15th, 16th and 17th batches is nearly $110 million.

The Harrier AV-8B+s are capable of performing their missions, but Spain must work to upgrade the fleet. The McDonnell Douglas aircraft are expected to be retired later this decade. The Spanish Navy has about a dozen attack aircraft in service.

Only three countries are operators of the F-35B Lightning II so far: the UK, Italy and the US. In addition, the first batch of aircraft will be delivered to Japan next year. Singapore has also ordered the F-35B to replace the F-16C/D. Moreover, the dwarf nation will be the first in history to use fighter jets from land bases rather than ships.

Source: Infodefensa