By Mauro Orru


Airbus SE has signed a 2.04 billion-euro ($2.16 billion) contract with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency to deliver 20 Eurofighter jets to Spain, as the member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization seeks to modernize its aging fleet.

The European plane maker said Thursday that the order consists of 16 single-seaters and four twin-seaters that will replace the F-18 fleet operated by the Spanish Air Force on the Canary Islands.

The first delivery is due in 2026, bringing Spain's Eurofighter fleet to 90 aircraft.

Spain's air force operates the Eurofighter from the Moron and Albacete air bases, and Madrid plans to equip a third base--Gando on the Canary Islands--with Eurofighter jets.


Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com; @MauroOrru94


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-23-22 0937ET