General Dynamics/CASA C-17 Halcón (Falcon)

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Spain acquired the Mirage F-1 in 1975 and equipped the Ala 14 in Albacete. After the start of the transition from dictatorship to democracy, the US government sought to improve the relationship to Spain which had a strategic position at the western end of Europe, right in front of Africa. On one hand, they wanted to establish bases in Spain enabling them faster reactions in the middle east and northern Africa. On the other hand they showed their support the new government and their intentions to create a stable country.

 

As a sign of good will, president Jimmy Carter offered the F-16 to the Ejército del Aire at a special price. The Mirage F-1 became replaced by the F-16, which received the designation C-17 Halcón. Both squadrons based in Albacete got equipped with the plane. The F-1s got sold back to France at a significantly lower price, who sold them again to Morocco and Iraq.

 

A group of four C-17s on a CAP

 

Breaking for interception

 

Fox One!

 

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Edited November 5, 2011 by NazGhul

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