NATO's Spanish Hornets: The Front-Line Air Policing Workhorse

At Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, a detachment of Spanish Air Force pilots stands ready to defend NATO's eastern flank. Their mission: protect the airspace of the Baltic nations—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—front-line states where geopolitical tensions demand constant vigilance.

Spain's 15th Wing arrived in early December with 11 EF-18M fighter jets and 200 personnel for a four-month rotation. These American-made Hornets, specifically adapted for Spanish service, have become the workhorse of NATO's Baltic Air Policing operations.

We are honored to be here, and we are very proud to be part of this kind of mission. It's a peacetime mission, so we are highly trained for this.

The pilots' confidence is backed by extensive training and a platform they know intimately. For Lt. Col. Fernando Allen, the detachment commander with over 1,000 flight hours in the EF-18, the jet represents the pinnacle of multi-role capability.

The EF-18 is not simply a standard F/A-18 Hornet. While the airframe is American-made, designed by McDonnell Douglas, Spain's version represents decades of national customization. The 'E' in EF-18 stands for España, signifying a fighter tailored specifically for the Spanish Air Force.

Madrid has been responsible for upgrading and modifying these jets since their initial purchase, modernizing critical systems like software. As Lt. Col. Allen explains, "The jet's exterior may look the same as those flown by Finland or Canada, but the interior is completely different, with all the latest technology."

This fourth-generation fighter entered service in the late 1970s and has seen extensive combat experience across the Middle East and southeastern Europe. Today, it remains a vital asset for roughly half a dozen countries, with Spain operating its own specialized version.

• American airframe with Spanish modifications
• Upgraded software and avionics
• Designed for multi-role missions
• Proven combat track record

The Baltic Air Policing mission requires fighters capable of rapid response to diverse threats. From fast-moving Russian military jets flying without transponders to slow-flying drones, the EF-18 must handle it all. Last year alone, NATO's Air Command recorded more than 500 scrambles across allied airspace.

Allen describes the EF-18 as the "best machine ever made" for this specific role. Its cockpit layout allows pilots to access critical information instantly during high-pressure intercepts. "I think it's the best multi-role asset because it's very easy for the pilot to get all the info in the cockpit," he states.

The jet's versatility shines in its speed range. While most fighters excel at high-speed interception, the EF-18's thrust allows it to operate at remarkably low speeds—a crucial capability for tracking drones and small aircraft that challenge faster platforms.

You can fly very, very slow. For us, to intercept drones or small aircraft, it's not easy, but it's easier for us than any other aircraft.

When scrambles occur, Spanish EF-18s are fully armed and prepared for any scenario. Each jet carries an M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon and can be equipped with two types of air-to-air missiles: the IRIS-T for short-range engagements using infrared homing, and the AIM-120 for medium-range targets using radar homing.

The utility of these weapons was highlighted in September when NATO fighters shot down Russian drones that crossed into Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine. This incident has sparked discussions among Western officials about finding cost-effective methods to neutralize cheap drones without relying solely on expensive missiles.

Despite the advanced weaponry, the pilots emphasize that their primary role is defensive. "We can carry many air-to-air weapons, air-to-ground weapons," Allen notes, but the mission remains focused on protecting allied airspace through deterrence and interception.

• M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon
• IRIS-T short-range missiles
• AIM-120 medium-range missiles
• Infrared and radar homing technology

While Lt. Col. Allen has only flown the EF-18, other pilots in his detachment have experience with multiple airframes. Lt. Arturo Guitán, an EF-18 pilot with the 15th Wing, offers a direct comparison with the fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoon, a more technologically advanced European aircraft.

Despite the Typhoon's advanced systems, Guitán prefers the Spanish Hornet. "We love it," he says, adding that the fighter is capable of performing all mission requirements. This sentiment reflects the deep familiarity pilots develop with their aircraft after years of operation.

The simplicity of the EF-18's flight characteristics contrasts with the complexity of its systems. As Allen observes, "It's very easy to fly an F-18. The most difficult part is to manage everything you have inside." This balance between manageable flight dynamics and sophisticated onboard technology makes it ideal for the demanding air policing role.

We love it. The fighter is capable of performing all the mission requirements.

The Spanish detachment's rotation at Šiauliai will conclude in March, when they will be replaced by Romania and France. This four-month cycle is standard for the Baltic Air Policing mission, ensuring continuous coverage of NATO's vulnerable eastern airspace.

Despite the pilots' strong endorsement of the EF-18, Spain is already planning its fleet's future. The country has gradually moved to replace its aging Hornets with orders for dozens of new Eurofighter jets, signaling a shift toward European defense cooperation.

This transition reflects broader strategic trends. Spain has also pivoted away from purchasing the American-made F-35 Lightning II, opting instead for European aircraft. Yet for now, at the front lines in Lithuania, the EF-18 remains the trusted guardian of Baltic skies—a testament to the enduring value of a well-maintained, purpose-modified fighter platform.