An Airbus-led consortium of Spanish companies has unveiled the industrial program for the Spanish Air and Space Force’s Integrated Combat Training System (ITS-C), aimed at replacing the aging F-5 fleet.
The contract, awarded in December 2025 and valued at approximately $3 billion, involves 60% participation from Spanish industry. Airbus serves as prime contractor in partnership with Turkish Aerospace, which manufactures the HÜRJET jet trainer. The 30 aircraft will be customized to Spanish specifications and designated SAETA II, featuring supersonic speeds, a modern digital cockpit, and tandem seating for advanced pilot training and light combat roles such as armed reconnaissance.
The program unfolds in two phases. The first begins in 2028 with delivery of 21 aircraft, one serving as a prototype for next-generation avionics and mission systems. A ground-based training system is set to enter service in the 2029-2030 academic year. The second phase will convert all 30 aircraft and update simulators, with final SAETA II deliveries scheduled between 2031 and 2035.
Airbus will oversee redesign of the Fighter and Strike School Training Centre at Talavera la Real Air Base in Extremadura, incorporating advanced simulators developed with Indra. Spanish firms including GMV, Sener, Aertec, Grupo Oesía, Orbital, and Indra will integrate national technologies for avionics, mission computers, data links, and other systems. The initiative includes an Aircraft Conversion Centre in Spain, maintenance services, and logistical support to ensure fleet availability.
Spanish industry will manage ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and evolution of the system independently.