Spanish flavored Tonkas

ValAstur · 2026-04-03T16:48:34Z

When, at the end of 1975, following Franco's death, Spain's transition to a monarchical democracy was initiated, it quickly became clear to the other European NATO countries and the USA that Spain, due to its geostrategically important location on the Strait of Gibraltar, which provides the only sea access to the Mediterranean from the Atlantic, had to join the alliance. Spain, together with the British enclave of Gibraltar, was to form a bulwark against Soviet expansion. There were concerns that, after the end of the dictatorship, Spain, which had been neutral in World War II and had received extensive support from the Soviet Union on the Republican side during its Civil War, would now politically side with the Soviets.

A communist outpost on the southwestern edge of NATO was something everyone wanted to prevent. The Spanish Social Democrats under Felipe González initially intended to keep Spain out of NATO. Much to the dismay of the PSOE, the Spanish Social Democrats, a large majority of the population supported joining. The Western Allies, very pleased with this decision, made military concessions to Spain to ensure the country's continued membership. One of these concessions was the transfer of 32 Tornado GR.1 aircraft under a favorable Lend-Lease agreement, which were delivered to the Spanish Air Force in 1982, shortly after Spain's accession to NATO. The agreement was to run until 2002.

The primary mission of the Spanish Tornados was ground attack against potential enemy forces on home territory and anti-ship warfare in support of the Armada. During NATO operations, the CB.15 (Caza-Bombardero 15, Spanish designation) also performed reconnaissance and aerial refueling missions.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, following protracted negotiations with the British state and the Panavia consortium, the aircraft were returned to the RAF in 1999 and the resulting gaps in air and ground defense were filled by the EF-18A and B.

Panavia Tornado GR.1E (CB.15), Ala 15, Escuadrón 151, 1983

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