At a glance What happened: at Gando air base (Gran Canaria) the Eurofighter has replaced the F-18 — the first eight aircraft are integrated into the Ala 46 wing
How many: the fleet grows gradually to 20 aircraft in total
Role: surveillance and protection of Canary airspace and NATO's south-western flank
Significance: Gando becomes Spain's third Eurofighter base alongside Moron and Albacete
The old jets: the last six Canary F-18s go to Zaragoza (Ala 15), with final retirement in December
Sources: Ejercito del Aire y del Espacio, InfoDefensa/Revista Defensa

The formal ceremony took place on Friday at the Gando base, led by the Air Force chief of staff. With the official handover, the first eight Eurofighters are integrated into the Ala 46 wing.

The fleet is to grow gradually to 20 aircraft, tasked with monitoring and protecting Canary airspace and NATO's south-western flank. The first aircraft come from the Ala 14 wing in Albacete; later, aircraft from the Ala 11 in Moron de la Frontera are to join too.

Why the switch — and why now

The F-18 was the backbone of air defence over the islands for almost four decades. With the Eurofighter — known internationally as the Typhoon — a more modern interceptor type takes over.

The changeover follows strategic planning begun in 2022 that required not only the conversion of critical infrastructure and information systems for the islands' salty air, but also an intensive retraining programme for pilots, mechanics and support staff. The last six still-operational Canary F-18s are being transferred immediately to the Ala 15 in Zaragoza before their final retirement in December.

In parallel, the first of eight new C295 search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft arrived this week, replacing the old CN235 fleet.

What it means for residents and travellers Gando is unusual: the air base shares its site with the civilian Gran Canaria airport (LPA), through which almost all holidaymakers arrive. The change of fighter jets makes no difference to civilian operations — scheduled and charter flights continue as normal. Where the difference may be noticeable is in sound: modern interceptors and training flights can at times mean audible overflights over the island's east and south. Anyone living in Telde, Ingenio or around the Bay of Gando already knows the soundscape from F-18 days. A vibrant flypast over the bay was part of Friday's official ceremony.
Context This article describes a military matter based on official statements from the Spanish Air Force and specialist media. We report the facts without judging them politically or in defence-policy terms. Assessments of the purpose, cost or strategic direction of such procurements are a matter for the responsible bodies and public debate.

Frequently asked questions

What has changed at Gando?
The Eurofighter has replaced the F-18 as the interceptor. Eight aircraft are already stationed there, with 20 planned in total.
Does this affect my holiday flight?
No. Gando is also the civilian Gran Canaria airport (LPA); civilian flight operations continue unchanged.
Will it get louder?
Audible military overflights over the island's east and south are possible at times. There has, however, been military-jet noise at this site since F-18 days.
Why Gran Canaria?
The islands are seen as a geostrategically important point for monitoring Canary airspace and NATO's south-western flank. Gando becomes Spain's third Eurofighter base.
What happens to the old F-18s?
The last six go to Zaragoza and are finally retired in December.

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As of 26/06/2026. Sources include the Ejercito del Aire y del Espacio and InfoDefensa/Revista Defensa. Figures on numbers, locations and timelines are based on official statements and may change. This article is general information. Illustration (Spanish Eurofighter), not necessarily an aircraft stationed at Gando.