Spain to acquire five AV-8B Harrier II fighter-bombers from the United States (opex360.com)

• Spain buys five retired AV-8B Harrier II from US Marine Corps.
• Political decision against F-35B to prioritize other defense programs.
• Harrier fleet to be sustained until 2032 via spares and maintenance contracts.

"Spain is acquiring five retired AV-8B Harrier II aircraft from the US Marine Corps to sustain its fleet of 13 until 2032. The Spanish government has ruled out purchasing F-35B for political reasons, prioritizing other naval programs. The navy leadership fears losing fixed-wing capability. A contract with Airbus aims to extend the life of existing Harriers. The five ex-USMC aircraft will serve as spare parts sources and operational backups. Italy plans to replace its Harriers with F-35B by 2028/29, leaving Spain as the last operator."