The American multinational company has arrived at FEINDEF with a broad portfolio of programs that only confirms the strong presence of its projects in Spain. Three major programs stood out during the fair: the SPY-7 radar, the MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters, and the F-35 fighter jet.
Regarding the SPY-7, the heart of the AEGIS system that will equip the F-110 frigates, Lockheed Martin announced the arrival of the first unit to the Rota Naval Air Base in Spain by 2026, to be adapted to the Navy's SCOMBA combat system and integrated with the various systems that the Spanish ships will carry. The tests carried out with the SPY-7 have increasingly demonstrated its functionality in target location and tracking. The company assures that the delivery of the radars to Spain will be ready for integration within the current F-110 entry-into-service schedule. Likewise, in the MLU upgrade of the F-110 frigates, their AEGIS system will be modernized to make it compatible with many of the F-110's functionalities.
In 2026, the first MH-60R (Romeo) ASW helicopters for FLOAN will begin arriving in Spain. Navy personnel, including pilots and mechanics, have already travelled to the United States for training courses. Initially, only four deployable sonars have been acquired for the helicopters; the Spanish Navy must decide whether to equip all the helicopters with them. Lockheed Martin is also in contact with Indra to manufacture a flight simulator for these helicopters.
Regarding the F-35 fighter jet, the American company has highlighted the program's success in the various countries that have chosen this model, highlighting the recent purchases from Poland and Romania. Lockheed Martin has answered to the Spanish government's request for information regarding the possible sale of F-35B VTOL fighters for the Navy and F-35A fighters for the Air and Space Force.
Regarding the objections raised by Spain regarding the need to achieve industrial or technological returns, Lockheed Martin indicates that given the company's large number of programs and products in Spain, it could be feasible to find a return, even if not directly through the purchase of the aircraft. With the company's current aircraft delivery rates, if a deal is closed now, the delivery of the first aircraft would be delayed by at least four years, although the delivery schedule could always be adjusted based on the schedules of other programs.
The F-35 is demonstrating in recent manoeuvres by users such as Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark that its performance as a 5th-generation fighter is irreplaceable on the modern battlefield. Having this type of aircraft would allow the Air and Space Force to have an advanced aircraft until the arrival of the FCAS, and the Navy would maintain its naval air capability, which it seems to want to increase with more aircraft carrier platforms.
