Spain Military Power 2020-2021

World ranking: 19

Overview

Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain just like Turkey and Egypt has partial control over a naval choke point. With the influx of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Spain is looking to not only stop them in the water but to stem the flow from the source. As the future of North Africa continues to look bleak, the Spanish military may need to take matters in their own hands, or they could be the target of future mass migrations.

Capital: Madrid

Population: 46.94 million

Defence Budget: 15.1 billion

Total Personnel: 140,000

land forces

Just like other European powers Spain's army is largely an expeditionary force. It is designed for operating in overseas operations in conjunction with a large coalition. Leopard 2A6Es make up the main cavalry of the Spanish Army, with some Leopard 2A4s as extras. This is a very good selection of tanks. To supplement these there are Pizarro IFVs and Centauro tank destroyers. Together with M109 SPGs and an assortment of APCs Spain undoubtedly has one of the best equipped armies in Europe.

Tanks: 327

AFV: 2,023

MLRS: 0

SPG: 95

Air force

The Spanish Air Force is relatively small, yet operates just over 140 multirole fighters. 72 of which are F/A-18 Hornets while the remaining 70 are Eurofighter Typhoons. This is a capable and versatile setup. The rest of the air force is also quiet well equipped. There are 13 AV-8B Harrier IIs which are operated by the Spanish Navy. This is one aircraft which needs to be replaced. The only option for Spain is to buy F-35Bs, as they are the only SVTOL aircraft currently in production.

Fighters: 142

Attack: 13

Armed UAVs: 0

Attack Helicopters: 19

Helicopters: 162

Other: 225

Navy

Spain was once famous for its navy. In the late 16th and early 17th century it had the worlds most powerful fleet. Today the Spanish Navy isn't what it used to be. However Spain does have the technological capability to build a monstrous fleet. The largest ship in the Spanish Navy, the Juan Carlos I-class LHD and the Galicia-class LPDs together enable force projection capabilities beyond that of most navy's. The only problem here being a lack of a modern fixed wing fighter which works with the LHD. As previously mentioned, Spain should buy F-35Bs. One of the most notable recent additions to the the Spanish Navy is the Alvaro de Bazen-class air defence frigates which are fitted with the Aegis Combat System.

Total Vessels: 77

Carriers and LHDs: 1

Destroyers: 0

Frigates: 11

Corvettes: 0

Submarines: 3