eurofighter arrival gando gran canaria

Eurofighter jets to arrive in Gran Canaria this month

New era for Canary Islands air defence

The first Eurofighter combat jets are expected to land at Gando Air Base in Gran Canaria on 26 June, marking the start of a gradual replacement of the F-18 fleet that has protected the archipelago’s airspace beyond its intended service life. The Spanish Air and Space Force confirmed the arrival and stated that Gando continues to prove its operational capability, as the transition to the Eurofighter represents a major challenge for Wing 46.

Intensive training since 2025

A large portion of the base’s personnel have been training away from the unit since April 2025 to acquire the skills needed to operate and maintain the new system, which will guarantee the air defence of the Canary Islands for decades to come. Despite these demands, Wing 46 has managed to maintain outstanding levels of operational readiness: six of the eight F-18 aircraft still stationed at Gando are currently fully operational, according to the Air Force, which insists the transition process does not affect the unit’s availability.

Seamless 24/7 coverage

The Air Force also highlighted the effort made by Wing 46 personnel in recent months, who have simultaneously sustained the existing F-18 fleet while converting to the new system. This has ensured uninterrupted 24-hour surveillance and control of Canary Islands airspace, 365 days a year. “The transition to the Eurofighter constitutes a historic milestone,” the Air Force emphasised.

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